Africa accounts for a third of Russian arms exports; defense partnerships expand by $20 billion.

Written by Omnia Hassan

Russia continues to strengthen its military and technological presence in the African continent, at a time when it has become African continent Approximately 30% represents a portion of the total orders placed by Rosoboronexport, Russia’s largest state agency for exporting defense and military products, reflecting the growing interdependence between Moscow and African capitals in the areas of security and armament.

Rapid Russian expansion in Africa

Alexander Mikheev, Director General of Rosoboronexport and Vice President of the Russian Federation of Machine-Building Manufacturers, revealed that the company currently has military and technical cooperation relations with 46 African countries, following the signing of joint governmental agreements covering the areas of armament, training and defense technology.

Mikheev explained, during a speech he delivered on the occasion of “Africa Day”, that the value of contracts for technological cooperation projects between the Russian company and African countries amounted to about $1.7 billion, stressing that the continent has become one of the most important strategic markets for the Russian defense industries.

$20 billion across 150 defense deals

According to data from the Russian company, total Russian defense spending and investments in Africa have exceeded $20 billion, distributed across approximately 150 contracts with governments and military institutions throughout the continent.

These contracts include the supply of advanced military equipment, coastal defense systems, and specialized security solutions, along with projects to modernize and maintain existing military equipment in a number of African armies.

Moscow also seeks to expand cooperation to include joint manufacturing and licensed production of weapons within African countries, in addition to cooperation in the areas of research and development and the transfer of military technology.

Russian strategy to increase influence

Rosoboronexport confirmed that it continues to communicate with its African partners through international defense exhibitions and bilateral meetings, in addition to the activity of the state-owned Rostec company’s offices spread across a number of key African countries.

Moscow is betting on strengthening its security and economic presence in Africa by offering “tailor-made” defense solutions to meet the needs of African governments, particularly with regard to protecting borders and coasts and combating terrorism and organized crime.

The company also noted the anticipated broad participation of African delegations in the first international security forum, hosted by Moscow, in a move that reflects the growing military partnership between Russia and African countries amid global geopolitical shifts.