AREA

From renewable energy to diamond processing: Botswana opens new horizons for cooperation with Russia Botswana sees Russia as a strategic partner for the development of its economy, starting with its fundamental focus – energy. Following talks with Sergey Lavrov, Botswana's Foreign Minister, Fenyo Butale, expressed his willingness to cooperate with Russia in the field of renewable energy (RES), noting the country's "significant expertise and potential" in this area. This cooperation is not an end in itself, but the foundation for large-scale industrialization. Renewable energy is critical to powering future mining, beneficiation, and processing facilities, which Botswana intends to develop with the participation of Russian capital and technology. "We are ready to invite Russian expertise, investors, and companies specializing in rare earth metals... We expect to benefit from Russia's knowledge and expertise in large-scale mining projects," Butale emphasized. The proposal is based on Botswana's significant resource potential. Botswana is a world leader in diamond mining (accounting for approximately one-fifth of global production), and geological data points to promising deposits of rare earth elements, including lithium. More than 80% of the country's territory is covered by detailed geological surveys, creating a transparent basis for investment. Thus, Botswana offers Russia strategic entry into the value chain—from energy supply and geological exploration to the extraction and processing of critical resources. Norilsk Nickel's successful past operations in the country serve as a positive precedent for this new phase of cooperation. #AREA#Russia#Botswana#RussiaAfrica

A Year of Breakthrough Dialogue: How the African-Russian Energy Association Strengthened Bridges between Russia and Africa in 2025 The year is drawing to a close, and for our community, it has been a time of active movement, vibrant dialogue, and laying the foundation for future projects. The African-Russian Energy Association (AREA) has worked on a variety of fronts — from energy strategies to humanitarian bridges. Let's recall the key moments together. Education and Personnel: Investing in Tomorrow We understand that technology is powerless without specialists. Therefore, in 2025, we emphasized the need for personnel training and knowledge sharing: We gave a lecture to students at Belmont University (USA) on the polycentric world and the role of Africa. We participated in roundtable discussions on education reform and energy sector training, reminding everyone that a third of energy industry executives in Africa are graduates of Soviet/Russian universities. Media Bridge: Speaking the Same Language For projects to be successful, they need to be communicated effectively. We actively worked on this information bridge: • Held a roundtable discussion, "Information Bridge: Russia – Africa," in the State Duma with the participation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of parliament, leading media outlets, and African journalists. • Emphasized that PR, GR, and working with the media are essential for any serious project. Dialogue at all levels: from the State Duma to expert clubs AREA became a platform for meaningful discussion: • Participated in the "Russia-Africa" ​​Humanitarian Forum in the State Duma. • Discussed humanitarian policy practices with the Gorchakov Fund. • Analyzed barriers to business and sought models that combine Russian technology with local production in Africa. Research and Cooperation We analyzed over 20 energy projects. Established cooperation with four new countries. We don't just talk about cooperation—we create working tools for it, teach, advise, and act. May our joint projects gain momentum in the coming year 2026, may our dialogue become even more productive, and may the energy of cooperation bring light and development to all our countries! #AREA#Russia#Africa#RussiaAfrica

Friends, comrades, and all those who believe that energy should unite, not divide! During these Christmas holidays, we especially keenly feel the value of light, warmth, and creative power. Every project, every kilowatt, represents not only technology but also trust, a spark of progress that changes lives for the better. In the coming year, we hope the partnership between Russia and Africa only grows stronger, and new initiatives bring the light of development and the warmth of mutual understanding. Merry Christmas! May your inner source of strength never run dry!

Nuclear Power in the Central African Republic: A Strategic Project and a New Horizon for Rosatom in Africa The authorities of the Central African Republic have expressed their desire to implement a project to build a small nuclear power plant (NPP) with the technological participation of Rosatom. This joins the list of African countries negotiating with Russia on the construction of a NPP. Algeria, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, and Guinea have previously expressed their intentions. This confirms the development of a sustainable project portfolio on the continent, where Russian technologies are offered as a comprehensive solution. In addition to uranium, the Central African Republic has proven reserves of gold, diamonds, oil, gas, and other minerals, the extraction and processing of which require a reliable energy base. The construction of a NPP will not only meet the basic needs of the population but also create conditions for the development of the mining and manufacturing industries, transforming resource potential into economic growth. #Rosatom#CAR#energy#RussiaAfrica

Atomic Energy, Gas, and Technology: Russia and Algeria Expand Energy Partnership Russia and Algeria are successfully expanding their energy cooperation. According to Russian Ambassador to Algeria Alexey Solomatin, Russian oil and gas companies are ready to supply equipment, maintain infrastructure, and participate in the development of new fields. This is especially important in light of Algeria's plans to increase gas production from 137 to 200 billion cubic meters per year. Since the beginning of 2024 alone, the state-owned company Sonatrach has announced eight major discoveries, creating new opportunities for Russian technology. Algeria is becoming an important hub for Russia's energy presence in Africa. The combination of traditional oil and gas projects with promising areas — from nuclear energy to green hydrogen — creates the foundation for a long-term partnership. In addition to Algeria, more than ten countries have announced their intention to build nuclear power plants, including Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, with whom Rosatom is already in negotiations. #AREA#RussiaAfrica#Algeria#energy

Complex Approach as a Foundation for Energy Partnership The G20 participants adopted a joint declaration, highlighting massive energy crisis in Africa. At the same time, the situation offers opportunities for international cooperation. The G20 summit in Johannesburg noted that over 600 million Africans lack access to electricity, with the average electricity supply on the continent being only 40%. At the same time, approximately one billion people are forced to use unsustainable cooking methods, leading to 2 million premature deaths annually. Against this backdrop, Russia's energy partnership with African countries is particularly significant. In particular, the construction of the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant in Egypt—the continent's second nuclear power plant—is coming to the forefront. Last week, Presidents Vladimir Putin and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi launched installation of the reactor vessel, marking the beginning of the project's key phase. The Russian leader emphasized that the plant will strengthen Egypt's energy security. At the same time, Rosatom signed an agreement with the Egyptian side for the purchase and production of nuclear fuel for the plant. The corporation reported that production of the first batch of fuel for the initial loading of the first power unit has already begun. Thus, Russia is once again demonstrating a comprehensive approach to cooperation—from education and infrastructure construction to fuel cycle support and maintenance. #AREA#RussiaAfrica#Egypt#Energy

Russian-African Partnership: Tourism Needs Energy A roundtable discussion on "Tourism Development and Sociocultural Cooperation with African Countries" was held in the Russian State Duma. Participants, including members of parliament and representatives of key ministries, discussed visa facilitation, expanding air travel, and support measures to unlock the continent's tourism potential, as well as ways to increase tourism from African countries to Russia. Particular attention was paid to developing a relevant image of the African continent. Nikolai Valuev, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Tourism and Tourism Infrastructure Development, emphasized that travel to Africa is not as dangerous as it might seem: "Russia fully addresses the potential risks for its citizens traveling abroad legally, also through tourism assistance. However, to my knowledge, there have been no serious recent incidents related to African countries." However, realizing this potential requires addressing fundamental infrastructure issues. When discussing tourism development, we imply qualitative improvements in many other segments, including logistics and services, including hotels, restaurants, entertainment, event venues, and much more. All of this requires high-quality and stable energy infrastructure, so even discussions of the cultural and humanitarian sphere and tourism cannot avoid returning to the topic of developing strategic infrastructure and ensuring a stable energy supply. #RussiaAfrica#tourism#energy

Burkina Faso discusses ratification of agreement with Rosatom On November 21, Burkina Faso will vote on ratification of the energy partnership agreement with Rosatom. A positive vote and subsequent construction of the first nuclear power plant by 2030 will increase energy production in the African country by several hundred megawatts. As noted by Burkina Faso's Foreign Minister, Jean-Marie Karamoko Traoré, partnership with Russia will double the country's electricity generation capacity. Consequently, this will strengthen energy sovereignty and accelerate the country's industrialization. Furthermore, electricity costs for the population are expected to decrease. At the same time, the Foreign Ministry emphasizes that ratification of the agreement is only the first step of a lengthy process involving approximately 20 stages. All of these stages are necessary to prepare for the construction of the nuclear power plant in Burkina Faso. As a reminder, Burkina Faso students have been training in nuclear technologies for several years in Russia. Future plans, in addition to nuclear power generation projects, also include non-energy applications of radiation technologies in agriculture and medicine. #RussiaAfrica#BurkinaFaso#Rosatom#NPP

Energy Dialogue amid Political Turmoil Russian Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshavin held a working meeting with the Speaker of the National Assembly of Madagascar, Siteni Randrianasaloniaiko. These negotiations were the first in this sector since the change of power in the country. The parties focused on cooperation in the electric power sector. This is a priority for Madagascar, where access to electricity remains critically low — only 25% of the population. The Russian side has the expertise to implement comprehensive projects to develop generation and grid infrastructure. At the same time, the possibility of cooperation in other sectors of the fuel and energy sector was also discussed. The negotiations took place at a time when Madagascar is interested in attracting foreign investors to the energy sector. Oil field development projects are also considered promising. Madagascar is unable to organize them independently, creating potential opportunities for foreign companies, including Russian ones. #AREA#RussiaAfrica#Madagascar#energy

Nigeria Expands Capacity: Dangote Expands Africa's Largest Refinery Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest man, has announced ambitious plans to expand his Dangote Refinery in Lagos. The complex's capacity is planned to more than double—from 650,000 to 1.4 million barrels per day, making it the largest refinery in the world. Currently, India's Jamnagar Refinery holds the top spot (1.24 million barrels). The project is expected to create 65,000 jobs and generate over $55 billion in annual revenue, turning the refinery into one of the continent's most valuable assets. There is no word yet on whether Russia will participate in the expansion. However, as the Nigerian Foreign Ministry previously stated, the country is interested in Russian technologies for the oil and gas and nuclear energy industries. "The energy partnership between Russia and Nigeria is a guarantee of stability in the oil and gas markets," noted Russian Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshavin. Nigeria is striving to become an oil refining hub in Africa, and Russian companies can play a key role in realizing these ambitions thanks to their technology and experience. #Nigeria#RussiaAfrica#energy#Dangote

Burkina Faso Opens New Energy Path with Russia Burkina Faso and Rosatom plan to build a small nuclear power plant in the African country by 2030, said Burkina Faso's Ambassador to Moscow, Aristide Rapugdondba Ludovic Tapsoba. "We have excellent relations with Rosatom. Our students are already training in nuclear technologies. In five years, I think we will be able to build a nuclear power plant," he added. The diplomat noted that the parties plan to sign several more economic agreements. At the Russian Energy Week, the Russian Foreign Ministry offered assistance to African countries in training specialists for the oil and gas industry. The initiative includes training engineers, technicians, and nuclear physicists, which should support the energy sovereignty of African states. As the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasizes, Russia "does not lay claim to African resources, but aims to build potential on the continent." The strategy includes both the implementation of infrastructure projects and the training of local personnel, which creates the basis for a long-term partnership. #Africa#Russia#AfricaRussia#BurkinaFaso

GlobUs Explores the Potential of the Republic of Congo The activities of the GlobUs International Expert Club in the Republic of Congo have received extensive coverage in local media in three languages— Lingala, Kituba, and French. Particular attention is paid to a large-scale study of the socioeconomic situation, covering all 15 regions of the country and including an analysis of key industries, including the energy sector. The GlobUs International Expert Club, which brings together specialists from various countries, continues to implement projects to strengthen cooperation between Russia and African countries. This year, the association began active work in the Republic of Congo. With a GDP of $15.7 billion, this country is one of the most stable in Central Africa and the region's leader in oil and potash fertilizer production. "The GlobUs Association strives to be a reliable bridge connecting our countries, and our activities cover several key areas, one of the most important being research—we want to better understand each other and make informed decisions," emphasizes the association's founder, Yulia Berg. The GlobUs study not only documents the current state of the energy sector, but also serves as a basis for strategic planning of joint projects. #GlobUs#Africa#Russia#AfricaRussia#Congo