Russia-Africa Summit: An agenda for African leaders

The second Russia-Africa Summit is scheduled to take place in July 2023 in Saint Petersburg, and African leaders should be prepared to bargain and expect a lot from the summit. The first summit, which took place in Sochi in 2019, was a great success, and African leaders should expect more from the second summit. African […]

The second Russia-Africa Summit is scheduled to take place in July 2023 in Saint Petersburg, and African leaders should be prepared to bargain and expect a lot from the summit. The first summit, which took place in Sochi in 2019, was a great success, and African leaders should expect more from the second summit. African leaders must identify priority areas that require collaborative efforts, such as economic growth, technology transfer, trade, infrastructure development, and international relations.

In my opinion, there is a need to establish relationships among African government officials, business leaders, and representatives of civil society before the summit. They should also work in harmony to develop a united front, establish relationships with Russian officials, and negotiate assertively with clear communication and innovative solutions to achieve objectives at the summit.

At the pre-summit meeting, they should build coalitions of African countries with similar interests, goals and objectives. This will enable them to negotiate more effectively and achieve better outcomes. This can be done by attending or organising pre-summit meetings among the governments and business leaders in Africa before the summit. And, during the summit, African leaders must communicate their proposals clearly, present them convincingly, and negotiate assertively to achieve their objectives. They should also be open to exploring innovative solutions and compromises that benefit both parties.

Also at the summit, African leaders should focus on bargaining for economic and technological development. Russia has a wealth of technological expertise that African countries can benefit from, and African leaders should negotiate for access to this expertise. This could include technology transfer, joint research, and the development of new technologies.

Additionally, African leaders should negotiate for increased trade between Africa and Russia. Russia is a major producer of oil, gas, and other natural resources, and African countries should seek to increase their exports to Russia. Additionally, African countries should seek to increase their imports from Russia, including machinery, equipment, and other manufactured goods.

African leaders should also bargain for assistance in infrastructure development. Russia has experience in developing infrastructure, such as railways, roads, and ports, and African countries should seek to learn from this experience. Russia can also provide financing for infrastructure projects, which would help African countries develop their economies and improve the lives of their citizens. African countries should seek to work with Russia on issues such as climate change, terrorism, and other global challenges.

In conclusion, the second Russia – Africa Summit in July 2023 in Saint Petersburg presents a great opportunity for African leaders to bargain and expect a lot from the summit. African countries should focus on economic and technological development, increased trade, infrastructure development, and greater cooperation in international affairs. By doing so, African countries can benefit from the wealth of expertise and experience that Russia has to offer and improve the lives of their citizens.

Accordingly, after the summit, African leaders should follow up on any agreements made and ensure that Russia delivers on its promises. They can also continue to build relationships with Russian officials through regular exchanges and visits.

 

Hurso Adam, PhD, wrote from Abuja