The Center for African Studies discussed prospects for cooperation between Russian regions and African countries in the Federation Council
On March 10, 2025, the Federation Council hold a round table on “Current issues of foreign economic relations between the Russian regions and African States,” which was attended by federal officials, representatives of the Russian subjects, and the expert community. On behalf of the Center for African Studies, Deputy Director Vsevolod Sviridov participated in the event.
Vsevolod Sviridov, Deputy Director of the Center for African Studies, took part in the discussion. He noted that African regions, mayors, states and municipalities are rapidly developing, have significant autonomy and their own financial resources, which makes it possible to consider them promising partners for Russian business and the Russian subjects. He stressed that the African regions can act as independent players interested in developing long-term economic relations with Russia, sharing experience and knowledge.
Sviridov also noted the coordinating role of the Russian regions in supporting the entry of small and medium-sized businesses into the African market, pointing out the need to create expert, analytical and educational tools to support business entry into African markets.
Vsevolod Sviridov paid special attention to the issue of personnel training for the development of Russian-African relations, mentioning the Africa Track, launched in 2024 by the Center for African Studies at the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs of the HSE University.