The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) posted on 14 May 2025 a one hour televised interview titled "Why Is Russia Deepening Its Engagement with Africa?" with Steven Gruzd, SAIIA.
Following intense engagement by the Soviet Union in Africa during the Cold War, Russian interest dropped dramatically in the 1990s and and only began to return in the 21st century under the rule of Vladimir Putin. The Wagner Group is an example of the new interest. Russia still has a small trade and economic footprint in Africa and provides very little foreign aid. Egypt is its most important partner. It has developed partnerships in the nuclear power field and and remains an important source of arms for Africa. The African countries have very little contact with the former Soviet republics.
