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🇲🇿🇷🇺Russia discusses energy co-operation with Mozambique

Russia is discussing possible forms of energy co-operation with Mozambique through Inter RAO and other operators, Russian Ambassador to Mozambique Vladimir Tararov said in an interview with African Initiative.

💬“We are in close contact with our partners to discuss possible modalities for our co-operation both through Inter RAO and other Russian economic operators interested in establishing contacts with Mozambique,” the diplomat said.

🔸The ambassador noted that Mozambique’s economy needs additional energy capacity. In his assessment, the country has significant potential for developing the sector, including hydropower.

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🇨🇩 Number of confirmed Ebola cases in DRC exceeds 7,400

As of 15 September, 7,404 confirmed cases of Ebola had been recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with 3,577 deaths from the virus. This was reported by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on 18 September.

💬[As of 15 September] 7,404 cases have been confirmed, with 1,776 people having recovered and 3,577 having died,” the statement said.

🔸According to the WHO, the Ugandan Ministry of Health has not reported any suspected cases of the disease. The last patient in the country to test negative was discharged on 16 July.
Earlier in September, Rospotrebnadzor delivered 7,000 diagnostic kits to Uganda for detecting the Ebola virus.

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🇲🇿🇷🇺Russian IT companies have much to offer Mozambique — ambassador

Russian IT companies have much to offer Mozambique as the African country pursues accelerated digitalisation, Russian Ambassador to Mozambique Vladimir Tararov said in an interview with African Initiative.

💬“Our economic operators working in the digital sphere have much to share with Africa and, in particular, with Mozambique. This is especially relevant as the country’s new leadership has identified digitalisation as one of its development priorities,” the diplomat said.

🔸According to Tararov, the Mozambican authorities consider the accelerated introduction of information and communication technologies into virtually all areas of life essential. In this regard, the ambassador pointed to significant potential for co-operation between Moscow and Maputo in this field.

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🌍🇷🇺 Russian Ebola vaccine passes trials on live virus

A new Russian vaccine against Ebola has successfully passed tests on live virus samples. Denis Logunov, director of the Gamaleya National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, told Izvestia newspaper on 17 September.

💬We have carried out the first phase of clinical trials. Preliminary trials were conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence’s 48th Central Research Institute using live strains of the Ebola virus that were available,” he noted.

🔸However, to complete the trials, up-to-date strains are required, which the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not yet provided to Moscow.

💬But on that side (the WHO — African Initiative), everything has come to a standstill at the stage of transferring the current strains needed to confirm the vaccine’s protective properties,” concluded Logunov.

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🌍🇷🇺 African countries show interest in products of the Kalashnikov Group — company

Many African countries are showing great interest in the products of the Kalashnikov Group. On 17 September, TASS reported that Leonid Rokeah, the company’s director of exports for unmanned aerial vehicles and loitering munitions, made this statement at the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition in Pretoria, the capital of South Africa.

💬Representatives from many African countries are showing an interest in the Kalashnikov Group’s products. We have held a large number of talks during the exhibition in South Africa and at other events attended by delegations from African countries. I am confident that <…> our customer base will grow,” he noted.

🔸According to Rokeah, the Kalashnikov Group’s high-explosive munitions and tactical-class unmanned reconnaissance drones are highly effective in military conditions, which is why they are in high demand amongst African states.

💬Thanks to their qualities, ease of training and operation, and low price, these products are very attractive to customers, particularly in African countries, which generally do not have large numbers of highly qualified personnel, and whose defence budgets are lower than those of some market leaders,” he added.

🔸The Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) international arms and aerospace exhibition opened in Pretoria on 16 September and will run until 20 September.

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🌍🇷🇺 African countries show interest in the Russian Ebola vaccine — Russian Foreign Ministry

African countries are showing interest in the Russian Ebola vaccine, despite the fact that clinical trials of the vaccine are still ongoing. This was reported to the Izvestia newspaper on 17 September by the press office of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

💬Clinical trials of the Russian vaccine are still ongoing, although partners from African countries are already showing an interest in it,” the Russian Foreign Ministry stated.

🔸As the ministry emphasised, the Russian Federation is actively co-operating on this issue with the World Health Organisation (WHO). The Foreign Ministry also noted that the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo had not approached Russia for assistance in combating the Ebola outbreak. However, the embassy in Kinshasa stated that contacts between the health ministries of the two countries are continuing.

💬At present, the Russian and Congolese sides are continuing to work on co-ordinating a draft memorandum of understanding in the field of public health. Issues relating to the possible transfer of biological materials, including virus strains, were not discussed during these contacts, and no official requests on this matter have been received from the Congolese side,” the newspaper quoted the embassy as saying.

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1️⃣2️⃣‘Our aim is for cooperation with Russia to bring new opportunities to Ghana.’ Interview with the Russian Ambassador to Accra

Recently, Moscow and Accra have stepped up their political dialogue at all levels and are keen to back it up with concrete economic cooperation. Key areas include expanding trade, attracting investment, developing the energy sector and digital technologies, and training personnel.

In an interview with African Initiative, Andrei Ordash, the Russian Ambassador to Accra, discussed which sectors of Ghana’s industry are most interested in Russian involvement, how Russia assesses Ghana’s role in ensuring stability in the Sahel, and what agenda the two countries could promote within the framework of the African Union, which Ghana will chair in 2027.

Read the full article on the African Initiative website.

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🇷🇺🇲🇿 Russian ambassador hails Mozambique’s BRICS co-operation prospects

Developing relations with BRICS could open up further opportunities for Mozambique to attract investment and implement economic projects, said Vladimir Tararov, Russia’s ambassador to Maputo, during a lecture for Mozambican students.

💬To the question of whether Mozambique can benefit from developing relations with BRICS, my answer is yes. It is important to give substance to such co-operation through specific areas of work,” said the diplomat, as reported by an African Initiative correspondent.

🔸Tararov highlighted the role of the New Development Bank, established by the BRICS countries. According to him, this financial institution broadens the range of tools available for implementing projects and strengthening the economic independence of states.

💬Having our own financial institution expands the possibilities for financing projects and attracting investment. Nations gain an additional tool, alongside the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank,” emphasised the ambassador.

🔸The diplomat pointed out that the bloc’s agenda also covers other areas, including transport, energy, special economic zones, science, technology, healthcare and humanitarian ties, with businesses, universities, specialists and young people all being involved in joint efforts.

🔸Speaking about foreign investment, Tararov emphasised that its significance for the host country is determined by the conditions under which projects are implemented, the distribution of profits and the benefits to the population. He linked the development of such co-operation to strengthening the ability of African states to determine their own economic policies.

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🌍🇷🇺 Russia interested in holding sports competitions in Africa — Lavrov

Russia is keen to host sporting events — the BRICS Games, the World Friendship Games and other events — in African countries. This was stated by the country’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on 17 September at the opening of the 4th Congress of the International Movement of Russophiles.

💬We are keen to see as many countries as possible across Eurasia, Africa and Latin America take up the baton of hosting these competitions,” he said.

🔸The Russian foreign minister noted that, despite the politicisation of the sporting movement, Russian sport is developing in line with initiatives supported by the majority of countries. He referred to the BRICS Games and the “Games of the Future”.

🔸The “Games of the Future” is an international multi-sport tournament organised according to the ‘phygital’ concept. The competitions combine traditional sport, esports and cutting-edge technologies: virtual and augmented reality, robotics and artificial intelligence.

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🇸🇿Eswatini's interior minister, King’s sister dies after an illness

Princess Lindiwe, Eswatini’s minister of Home Affairs and sister of King Mswati III, has died in South Africa following a short illness. This was reported in a press release from Eswatini’s Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, published on 17 September.

💬It is with deep sorrow and a sense of despair that I announce the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Lindiwe, minister of Home Affairs, following a short illness. <…> On behalf of the government, we extend our deepest condolences to the King and the royal family,” the statement reads.

🔸As reported by the local portal Swaziland News, a few days earlier the minister had been admitted to a South African hospital in a critical condition due to cancer.

💬Since her appointment as Minister of Home Affairs in 2018, [Princess Lindiwe] has carried out the duties of her high office with integrity. <…> She remained steadfast in her service to the nation and carried out her duties with dedication to the welfare of the people of Eswatini,” Dlamini’s statement emphasised.

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🇷🇺🇲🇬 Russian House in Madagascar and SPbU sign a co-operation agreement

The Russian House in Madagascar and Saint Petersburg State University (SPbU) have signed a co-operation agreement. The document was signed at the Russian Embassy in Antananarivo, an African Initiative correspondent reports.

🔸The signing ceremony was attended by Andrei Lesin, director of the SPbU Language Testing Centre, and Ilya Kontanistov, head of the Russian House.

🔸The agreement aims to develop educational, scientific and cultural ties between the Russian Federation and Madagascar, as well as to expand opportunities for Malagasy students to pursue a Russian education at SPbU. Under the agreement, the parties intend to organise and hold joint information and awareness-raising events to familiarise Malagasy prospective students with the opportunities for studying at SPbU.

🔸Alexey Buryak, Russia’s chargé d’Affaires ad interim in Madagascar, provided support to the parties in concluding the agreement. Following the signing ceremony, he stated that Moscow attaches great importance to the development of humanitarian and educational co-operation with Antananarivo.

💬The signing of this agreement is an important practical step that will expand opportunities for Malagasy young people to study in Russia, promote the study of the Russian language and create new conditions for joint academic work. I am confident that the agreements reached will form the basis for new joint projects and the further strengthening of our ties,” Buryak noted.

🔸Another area of the partnership will be the teaching of the Russian language at the Russian House.

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🌍🇸🇩 UN secretary-general demands accountability for arming Sudan’s warring parties

Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) António Guterres has called for countries supplying arms to the warring parties in Sudan to be held accountable. He made this statement on 16 September during a press conference held as part of the 81st session of the General Assembly.

💬Countries must be held accountable for <…> supplying arms to the parties to the conflict. These weapons are being used on a massive scale,” emphasised the UN secretary-general, citing an analysis by a group of Security Council experts.

🔸At the press conference, Guterres also noted that the Sudanese people are suffering from the consequences of the conflict, including the dire humanitarian situation in the country.

💬The humanitarian situation in Sudan is catastrophic. The suffering of the Sudanese people is unbearable,” he stated.

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🇲🇬🇷🇺 Russian House and two universities in Madagascar to establish legal assistance council

The Russian House in Madagascar, the University of Antananarivo and INSIDE University have agreed to establish a joint advisory council on citizens’ rights, to be based at the Russian House, an African Initiative correspondent reports.

🔸The initiative aims to make expert legal assistance more accessible to citizens. The council will provide free advice on matters relating to the protection of rights and legitimate interests.

💬The establishment of a joint advisory council on citizens’ rights is an important step in developing practical support for the people of Madagascar. Our aim is to ensure that anyone facing a legal issue or a difficult life situation can receive expert advice and understand how to protect their rights,” said Mioranavalona Ratobihasina, vice-chancellor of INSIDE University.

🔸The university plans to involve the most competent legal experts in the council’s work.

💬I am confident that this project will be of particular benefit to ordinary citizens – those people who often find it difficult to navigate the law on their own or to obtain professional legal support. It is important to us that the Russian House is not only a platform for cultural and educational co-operation, but also a place where people can receive real, practical assistance,” said Ilya Kontanistov, head of the Russian House in Madagascar.

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🌍🇷🇺 Development of BRICS in Africa to broaden range of options to small countries

The development of BRICS and other organisations on the African continent, and the creation of platforms for mutually beneficial trade, will broaden the range of options available to small and medium-sized countries. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on 16 September at the federal educational marathon ‘Knowledge. The First’.

💬As BRICS, the SCO and organisations on the African continent <…> move further towards establishing genuine platforms for mutually beneficial trade, regardless of what the West does with its leverage, <…> small and medium-sized countries will have additional options,” he said.

🔸The Russian foreign minister also identified African countries as states contributing to the emergence of new centres of global development.

💬Among our allies, like-minded nations and strategic partners who are helping this objective process to overcome the obstacles artificially placed in its path are numerous states around the world, <…> the SCO and BRICS countries, as well as countries in Eurasia, Latin America and, of course, Africa,” Lavrov pointed out.

🔸He also stated that the allocation of quotas and votes within the International Monetary Fund (IMF) must take into account the actual economic, financial and trade weight of the BRICS countries. According to him, in that case, the group should have a significantly larger number of quotas and votes than it currently holds.

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🇺🇬🇷🇺Russia-Uganda trade up 70% in first months of 2026

Trade between Russia and Uganda increased by 70 per cent in the first months of 2026, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on 16 September at the federal educational marathon Knowledge.First.

💬“In the first months of this year, our trade increased by 70 per cent. This is a very high growth rate, and I have no doubt that it will continue to rise,” he said.

🔸Lavrov noted that Russia and Uganda intend to develop co-operation in agriculture, information technology, industry, education and culture. He added that specific joint projects in these areas were discussed at the third meeting of the intergovernmental commission on trade and economic co-operation held in Kampala in 2025.

💬“I have no doubt that our relations will acquire an increasingly substantial foundation, and the economic component will certainly rise to the level that characterises the excellent political relations between our countries at all levels,” the Russian foreign minister stressed.

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🇲🇱National reconciliation strategy extends beyond Mali to AES

Malian Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maïga has called for national reconciliation issues to be addressed at the regional level together with Niger and Burkina Faso, which are members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). He made the statement on 15 September at the opening ceremony of the 5th National Reconciliation Week, an African Initiative correspondent reported.

💬“The peoples of the Sahel are united by a shared history, culture and common challenges. Therefore, in the peacebuilding process, security measures must be combined with efforts in education, culture and strengthening social cohesion,” the prime minister said.

🔸During his speech, he called on cultural figures, religious leaders and media representatives to instil tolerance and respect in children, promote the values of peace and truth, and strengthen ties between generations.

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🌍🇷🇺African bloggers present Rossotrudnichestvo with project for Cossack stanitsa in Africa

African bloggers and journalists have presented Rossotrudnichestvo with a project to establish a Cossack stanitsa in Africa. The initiative was supported by the All-Russian Cossack Society (VsKO) and African Initiative.

💬“The initiative emerged during a visit by African bloggers and influencers to the ‘Cossack Culture’ stand at the International Youth Festival 2026. The Africans noted that traditional Cossack values <…> are close to their own moral principles and values,” representatives of VsKO said.

🔸An application to implement the project has already been submitted to Rossotrudnichestvo for consideration.

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🇷🇺🇲🇬 Head of Russian diplomatic mission discusses participation in Russia–Africa Summit with the president of Madagascar

Russia’s Chargé d’Affaires ad interim in Madagascar Alexey Buryak met with President of Madagascar Michael Randrianirina. During the meeting, the two sides discussed the Malagasy delegation’s participation in the Russia–Africa Summit, scheduled for late October in Moscow. The diplomat told this in an interview with an African Initiative correspondent.

💬The discussion centred on issues relating to the preparations for the Malagasy delegation’s participation in the forthcoming Russia–Africa Summit. We also discussed expanding the legal and treaty framework based on the proposals that had already been made and worked through during previous meetings, as well as contacts at various levels, including inter-ministerial ones,” Buryak said.

🔸During the meeting, the parties also discussed the development of trade and economic co-operation and touched upon issues on the international agenda. According to the Russia’s Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, the discussion was substantive and demonstrated the parties’ readiness to develop their partnership.

🔸As Buryak emphasised, political contacts between Moscow and Antananarivo have recently intensified significantly; consequently, in the diplomat’s view, “the time has come” to discuss larger-scale projects and specific initiatives.

💬We now need to choose a different basis for co-operation. Whereas previously, since Soviet times, this basis was ideological, it is now primarily economic and <…> relations must be built on the principle of <…> mutually beneficial partnership. This is where our main efforts are focused,” added the diplomat.

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🇷🇺🇲🇬 Russian House in Madagascar and SPbU discuss launching joint educational projects

The Russian House in Madagascar and Saint Petersburg State University (SPbU) are discussing the possibility of signing an agreement to launch joint educational and cultural projects. This was announced by Andrei Lesin, director of the SPbU Language Testing Centre, during an appearance on the Russian-Malagasy programme RUSSAMADA TV on Madagascar’s state television channel, TVM.

🔸As an African Initiative correspondent reported, the agreement is considered as part of SPbU’s plans to expand opportunities for studying Russian in Madagascar. The university is also discussing the opening of a St Petersburg State University representative office at the University of Antananarivo.

🔸According to Lesin, this will make educational programmes more accessible to students and lecturers.
SPbU is also considering the possibility of organising Olympiads in the Russian language and other academic disciplines for school pupils and students in Madagascar. Winners of these competitions may, in the future, have the opportunity to continue their studies in Russia.

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🇨🇬🇷🇺 New Russian ambassador to the Congo presents copies of credentials to foreign minister

On 15 September, Dmitry Korepanov, Russian ambassador-designate to the Republic of the Congo, presented copies of his credentials to the country’s Foreign Minister Constant Serge Bounda. The Russian diplomatic mission informed African Initiative of this.

💬The ceremony and the subsequent discussion on current issues of bilateral co-operation took place in an atmosphere traditionally friendly to relations between Russia and the Congo,” the embassy stated.

🔸Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed Korepanov as Russia’s ambassador to the Congo in August. At the same time, the president relieved the diplomat of his post as ambassador to Gabon, a position Korepanov had held since January 2024.

🔸After graduating from MGIMO in 1982, Korepanov held various posts in the diplomatic service, both at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ headquarters and abroad. He worked in Africa for over 20 years, including at the USSR and Russian diplomatic missions in Algeria, Senegal, Mali, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zimbabwe. From 2020 to 2024, Korepanov served as deputy director of the African Department at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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