AREA

Russian Nuclear Energy on the African Continent: Prospects for Mutual Cooperation for Decades The Russian state corporation Rosatom is implementing a full nuclear cycle strategy in Africa, combining control over raw material production with technology exports. On the one hand, the corporation guarantees resource security: projects in Tanzania (Mkuju River, with a target output of 3,000 tons by 2029) and production agreements in Niger (with a simultaneous proposal to build two 2 GW reactors) strengthen the vertically integrated model. On the other hand, Russia is selling comprehensive technological sovereignty to countries that are dissatisfied with the Western approach. The flagship El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant project in Egypt is expanding to include water desalination and nuclear medicine, transforming the relationship from a buyer-seller format to a long-term partnership. In Ethiopia, contracts have been signed for a feasibility study for a Nuclear Technology Center and the first nuclear power plant to address the baseload generation gap. Rwanda is focusing on small modular reactors by establishing a research center. In Burkina Faso, Rosatom is holding consultations on advanced global regulatory standards. The success of the strategy is ensured by a package deal (technology and loans), the absence of political barriers, and a commitment to long-term commitment. While Western companies are constrained by their own sanctions and project costs, Russia is consistently offering solutions to energy shortages in African countries, laying a solid foundation for relations for decades to come. #Rosatom #Africa #Russia

Russia is shifting its paradigm: from raw materials to technology exports to BRICS. Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev announced a strategic shift in cooperation with its BRICS partners. Russia intends to develop cooperation not only through traditional energy supplies but also through the active export of technologies and engineering solutions. New members of the organization (Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, the UAE, and others) are experiencing severe shortages of baseload generation in some regions. Many of them have ambitious plans for further industrialization and production growth, but lack the necessary technologies in nuclear and hydropower. Rosatom is a global leader in nuclear technology with a completely independent supply chain (from uranium mining to fuel and services). The corporation is already building or plans to build units in India, China, Egypt, Turkey, and elsewhere. Another strength of the Russian energy sector is RusHydro, which has expertise in large-scale hydropower, among the best in the world. The potential for projects in Africa and South America is enormous. The economic impact of shifting from one-time resource sales to long-term service contracts is significant and significantly increases added value. BRICS partners are willing to pay in their national currencies, reducing dependence on Western sanctions. A geopolitical bonus is the strengthening of multipolarity: countries in the Global South gain an alternative to Western technologies without political strings attached, creating a new technological alliance within BRICS. The plans are quite realistic. Russia possesses a unique combination of technology, experience, and trust in the countries of the Global South. The main challenges are speed of implementation and protection from potential hybrid attacks by the West. If real supply and service chains are established, this will become one of the most successful areas of Russian foreign economic policy over the next 10-15 years. #Russia #Rosatom #RusHydro

Solar Energy in Nigeria: $200 Million in Investment Nigeria, Africa's largest economy, continues to demonstrate a structural shift in energy policy. The announced $200 million investment in solar generation represents not so much a record amount as a qualitative change in the approach to addressing energy shortages. Currently, approximately 60% of the country's population is connected to the centralized grid, but supply reliability remains low. Therefore, the main driver of demand is not the "green agenda" per se, but economic feasibility: decentralized solar power plants with energy storage systems allow businesses to reduce their dependence on diesel generators, the cost of which remains among the highest on the continent. The proposed investment structure focuses on hybrid mini-grids and commercial solar power plants with capacities ranging from 1 to 10 MW. This solution appears pragmatic, as large megawatt projects in Nigeria face risks due to underdeveloped transmission networks, while local systems ensure profitability through direct contracts with industrial clusters and agro-processing plants. The key operational risks remain currency fluctuations and end-user payment discipline. In the retail segment, this problem has long been addressed through prepayment systems and automatic disconnection when the balance is zero—an approach already proven in East African countries. For commercial clients, on the other hand, access to project financing is critical, as the cost of equipment (panels, inverters, batteries) is denominated in foreign currency and requires an initial investment. The participation of international financial institutions as guarantors and stabilization mechanisms helps partially mitigate macroeconomic fluctuations, but practical implementation in Nigeria will demonstrate the sustainability of such models in the face of high inflation and the devaluation of the naira. Monitoring this project is interesting not as a comparison with South Africa or the Maghreb countries, where the generation structure and tariff policies are fundamentally different, but as a representative case for all of sub-Saharan Africa—with its weak grids, widespread use of diesel, and enormous unmet demand from small and medium-sized businesses. The success or failure of Nigeria's hybrid solar power plants will be an important indicator of whether distributed solar energy can become a systemic solution rather than a one-off experiment—and the answer to this question will be relevant for a dozen countries on the continent, where conditions are almost identical. #Nigeria #Energy #SolarPowerPlants

What's missing for the implementation of large-scale Russian-African projects? Yulia Berg, Director of the International Business Acceleration Center, spoke to Komsomolskaya Pravda about the prospects and main barriers for Russian business in Africa. According to her, the successful implementation of large-scale joint projects, especially in the energy sector, requires synchronizing conceptual frameworks, business ethics, and business culture. She also proposed more actively opening branches of Russian universities on the continent. At the same time, the Director of the IBAC warns: "Africa is very diverse. Without a reliable 'guide' who understands the local realities, culture, and rules of the game, it's best not to venture there—the risks are too high." Yulia Berg believes that now is the most favorable time for Russian business on the African continent, but it's important to work wisely and only with trusted partners. #RussiaAfrica #BusinessINAfrica #YuliaBerg

Happy Russia Day! Energy is the circulatory system of any economy. And Russian energy is also the foundation for the development of entire continents. From nuclear power plants in Egypt to hydroelectric power plants in Ethiopia, every project is backed by the knowledge, technology and traditions of the Russian school of engineering. On Russia Day, we say thank those who built this school over decades. And to those who continue it today - in their native land and far beyond its borders. Happy holiday!

The key points of the oil and gas sector were identified in Brazzaville. Andrey Gromov, Executive Board Secretary of the African-Russian Energy Association (AREA) and founder of GR-Group, participated in a roundtable discussion in Brazzaville titled "The Oil and Gas Sector of the Republic of Congo: Results, Prospects, Challenges, and Solutions," featuring experts from various sectors of the industry. Discussion moderator Kitsabi Zorrino Roxy Esperance opened the meeting by outlining the range of issues to be discussed: "During the event, we discuss the challenges, solutions, and prospects of the oil and gas sector, as well as other areas that will contribute to the country's development." During the meeting, experts, engineers, and company managers discussed the oil and gas value chain map, the practical needs of the industry, flare gas production and processing, and infrastructure constraints affecting oil and gas projects. The roundtable resulted in the development of a list of the industry's practical needs and the most pressing challenges. Andrey Gromov thanked the roundtable participants and noted in his speech the importance of establishing a constructive dialogue between Russia and the Congo: "A constructive dialogue has now been established between our countries. We face challenges in resolving issues, but ultimately we resolve them by acting in accordance with mutual interests. Russia, unlike Western countries, takes into account the interests of its partners and will not only create jobs within individual projects but also promote the development of related industries directly on the ground." As journalist Osema Elonda Grace, who covered the event, noted, the main value of the meeting was its practical nature: the discussion focused on attracting investment and the real contribution of the oil and gas sector to the country's economic growth. #RussiaAfrica #Congo #AREA #energy

Congo is losing 85% of its oil revenues: How Russia is helping the republic regain control of its resources The Republic of Congo, where oil production accounts for 60% of its GDP, controls only 15% of its own oil industry—the rest goes to European corporations. This was stated in an interview from Brazzaville by Andrey Gromov, Executive Secretary of the African-Russian Energy Association. Currently, key areas of the economy, including monetary policy, are still controlled by France: the CFA franc currency remains under Paris' control, and French companies have acquired 60% of the country's land. Despite this, Congo possesses enormous potential. The republic occupies a key logistical position in West and Central Africa thanks to the deep-water port of Pointe-Noire, built under Soviet participation. Russia and Congo are already implementing large-scale joint projects. The flagship project is the construction of an oil pipeline across the country to the Democratic Republic of Congo. An investment protection agreement has been ratified, creating favorable conditions for Russian businesses. "The conditions Russia is offering are based on a mutually beneficial strategic partnership, and they are qualitatively better than the enslaving ones imposed by France," Gromov stated, adding that Congo, like many African countries, is seeking ways to break free from its dependence on its former colonial master. #RussiaAfrica #Congo #oil #energy #AREA

Electricity in remote regions of Congo is only on for a few hours a week: Yulia Berg on energy challenges and Russia's role On the "Mama Africa" ​​program on the "Soloviev LIVE" channel, Yulia Berg, board member of the African-Russian Energy Association and founder of the Globus Association, spoke about the energy situation in the Republic of Congo. According to Berg, access to electricity in remote areas of the country is one of the most pressing issues. "Electricity in remote areas sometimes comes on for a couple of hours, a couple of times a week, and that's it. Naturally, this significantly hinders other opportunities," the expert noted. A study by the GlobUs Association, covering all 15 regions of Congo, confirmed the systemic nature of the problem. At the same time, Berg emphasized the human resource potential being created by Russia. Several hundred students from Congo, and sometimes over a thousand, are currently studying or have studied in the country. "You often meet someone who speaks Russian, remembers studying in Russia, and speaks very warmly of that experience," she emphasized. Therefore, the main challenges for the near future are ensuring a stable energy supply even in the most remote regions and training personnel, including for the energy sector. In both areas, Russian companies and educational institutions can offer proven solutions. #RussiaAfrica #Congo #energy #GlobusAssociation #electrification

Electricity losses in some places exceed 50%: Gromov on the obstacles in the development of African countries and Russia's opportunities on the continent African power grids are losing more than half of the electricity they transmit, and their modernization requires colossal investments. This was stated by Andrey Gromov, Executive Secretary of AREA and founder of the GR-Group consulting agency, in an interview with Komsomolskaya Pravda. "The energy grid complex was built locally; depreciation is high, with losses exceeding 50%. Modernization is needed," the expert noted. At the same time, Russia has a significant advantage: a rich scientific base and strong expertise in the energy sector. Gromov added that the continent is currently engulfed in competition among the largest corporations, and Russia is only just rebuilding its Soviet-era ties. The legacy of its personnel also helps. "Thirty percent of the members of the African Energy Association are graduates of Soviet and Russian universities. We quickly find common ground, sharing a common cultural framework,” the expert explained. Therefore, high network depreciation and colossal transmission losses are not only a problem but also an opportunity for Russian energy companies ready to offer modernization technologies and comprehensive solutions. #AREA #RussiaAfrica #energy

Energy and Justice: Andrey Gromov on the New Power Plant in Comoros and Russia's Role on the African Continent On the "Mama Africa" ​​program on the "Soloviev LIVE" channel, Andrey Gromov, Executive Secretary of the AREA Board and member of the State Duma's Expert Council for Interaction with African Countries, spoke about new energy initiatives in the Comoros Islands. According to Gromov, an agreement to build a new power plant on the archipelago was recently reached at an economic forum in Kazan. "I think we have very good potential here," the expert remarked, emphasizing that Russia has a huge scientific foundation in energy and is capable of creating large-scale projects and macrosystems. Gromov noted that demand for Russian energy resources and technologies is growing in Africa. Thus, many island states, facing disruptions in fuel supplies from Arab countries, are now turning to Russia to consider alternative options for electricity and fuel supplies, as well as the construction of energy facilities. Regarding the activities of the African-Russian Energy Association (AREA), work is currently underway with partners from African countries, including heads of state energy corporations and energy ministers. Notably, 30% of them are graduates of Russian universities, creating a solid foundation for industry dialogue. Andrey Gromov emphasizes that Russia offers the continent dialogue and a willingness to consider each other's interests. According to the expert, Russia is coming to the continent not to impose its rules, but to lift the colonial yoke that many countries still suffer, receiving no more than 10% of their resource base. "We provide them with protection and the opportunity for fair and equitable development," he concluded. #AREA #RussiaAfrica #Comoros #energy

Oil and Electricity: South Sudan and Russia Discuss Cooperation Russian Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshavin held a series of meetings in South Sudan with the country's leadership. The focus was on cooperation in oil field development, hydropower, and electrification. Juba's demand for Russian technology has been long-standing. "We need the support of the Russian people and invite you to bring technology, financing, and logistical solutions," emphasized Deputy Petroleum Minister Mayen Wol Jong Mayen at Russian Energy Week in 2023. However, the issue is not limited to oil. South Sudan's electrification rate is among the lowest in the world. Marshavin proposed preparing a comprehensive energy system development plan. Specific services (forecasting, automatic power management, emergency control) could be provided by a specialized Russian organization. Hydropower projects were also discussed (Russian companies are willing to provide consulting engineering and equipment supply) and the construction of mini-thermal power plants using diesel generators. As a young and energy-deficient country, South Sudan requires a systemic partnership. Russia can address several areas at once: from oil infrastructure to basic electrification. Therefore, for Russian businesses, this represents an entry into a new market with high demand for technology and infrastructure solutions. #RussiaAfrica #SouthSudan

Happy Victory Day! May 9, 1945 – a day that will forever remain the most important date in our history. Victory came at a high price: millions of lives, destroyed cities, burned factories. But it was this victory that gave the country the opportunity to move forward – to rebuild, to build, to live. We remember those who fought at the front and worked in the rear. Their heroism is reflected in every peaceful day, in every new project, in every step Russia takes forward. We remember and are proud!

Different levels, but a common vector: Russia is expanding its energy presence in Congo and Rwanda. Rosatom is developing a pilot project in the Republic of Congo to build two modular small hydropower plants with a total capacity of 2.6 MW. The plants are capable of operating year-round in challenging climate conditions and will provide stable electricity to remote and hard-to-reach areas. Successful implementation will provide access to clean energy for approximately 1,000 rural households. The parties already have a history of cooperation: an intergovernmental agreement on peaceful use of nuclear energy was signed in 2019, and a memorandum on cooperation in hydropower was signed in 2024. Students from Congo are currently studying at Russian universities under Rosatom quotas (National Nuclear University MEPhI, Russian Chemical Technology University, and Voronezh State University). At the same time, Russia is strengthening its nuclear cooperation with Rwanda. Rosatom is helping to establish a Nuclear Science and Technology Center with a research reactor, develop the regulatory framework, and train personnel. Kigali's ambition is to launch the first small modular reactor by the early 2030s and increase the share of nuclear generation to 60–70% of the energy mix. The two African countries have different levels of nuclear maturity, but the vector is the same: Russian technologies and specialist training are consistently forming the foundation for future energy systems. #RussiaAfrica #Rosatom #Congo #Rwanda

Oil Product Pipeline to Congo: Russia Launches a Unique Infrastructure Project for Africa Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak completed his working visit to Brazzaville. Following talks with the leadership of the Republic of Congo, it was announced that the Pointe-Noire-Lutete-Maluko-Trecho oil product pipeline project is fully ready for implementation. The pipeline, over 1,300 km long, will connect the southern port with the northern regions, ensuring the delivery of gasoline, diesel fuel, and jet fuel deep into the country. On the Russian side, the project is being implemented by Zakneftegazstroy-Prometey (a company with 65 years of experience, spanning from the Turkish Stream to the Yamal-Europe pipeline). Financing has been structured, the sites have been allocated, and construction can begin soon. The project compares favorably with other African pipeline initiatives. While neighboring countries are building crude oil pipelines (for example, Tanzania-Uganda or Niger-Benin), the Russian-Congolese project is focused on finished petroleum products. This is crucial for Congo: fuel consumption has tripled in ten years, from 250,000 to 800,000 tons per year, while internal regions suffer from shortages and expensive road transport logistics. Under an intergovernmental agreement already approved by the Russian government, a joint venture (90% owned by the Russian side and 10% by the state-owned company SNPC) is being established. It will build and manage the pipeline under a "Build-Own-Operate-Transfer" concession for a minimum of 25 years. Upon completion of the concession, all facilities will be transferred to Congo. The Congolese side, in turn, guarantees capacity, tax breaks, and land. Russia's responsibilities will include project management, construction, financing, equipment and personnel supply, and the organization of additional oil product deliveries from Russia for pipe loading. The route could eventually be extended to Gabon and Cameroon, which would then expand the project beyond bilateral cooperation and become a driver for the entire Central African region. #RussiaAfrica #Congo

From Kazan to Cairo: African Specialists Master Russian Technologies At the Energoprom Forum in Kazan, Russian Deputy Minister of Energy Roman Marshavin met with participants of the InteRussia program. Representatives of energy companies and relevant ministries from African countries: Ethiopia, Zambia, Nigeria, Ghana, Morocco, and Egypt, are participating in the internship. Each participating country has its own energy sector specifics and its own projects with Russia. Ethiopia, where almost 90% of its energy system relies on hydropower, needs to modernize the Melka Wakina hydroelectric power plant, built by Soviet specialists. Zambia is experiencing an energy crisis due to drought—the largest hydroelectric power plant on Lake Kariba is operating at only 10-20% of its capacity—so the country is actively seeking ways to diversify its generation. Niger, where approximately 20% of the population has access to electricity, is negotiating with Rosatom to build a nuclear power plant. Morocco signed a cooperation agreement with the Russian Association of Electronics Developers and Manufacturers, paving the way for joint renewable energy projects and infrastructure modernization. Egypt has made further progress. Construction of the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant has entered a key phase, and Rosatom is already producing fuel for it. "The Russian engineering school has traditionally been strong in its fundamental training. Today, our task is to pass on these traditions to our partners, shaping a new generation of specialists," Marshavin noted. #AREA #RussiaAfrica

New Horizons for Energy Partnership: South Africa Increases Interest in Russian Gas and Nuclear Energy South Africa's interest in importing Russian liquefied natural gas is noticeably growing amid supply disruptions and rising energy prices. Russian Ambassador to the Republic Roman Ambarov told Izvestia, noting that the two countries' business communities are regularly discussing practical projects. A key event was the signing of a memorandum between Rosatom and the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) at the Africa Energy Indaba 2026 forum in early March. The document aims to develop the industry's human resources by creating joint educational programs, improving the qualifications of specialists, and supporting students in technical fields. More broadly, South Africa views Russia as a potential partner for diversifying its energy mix. Currently, the country's energy sector is primarily coal-based, but the need for stable gas supplies and the development of low-carbon generation is growing. Nuclear energy, in this sense, is one of the most promising areas for Africa, and Russia is ready to offer both technology and educational support. Russian-South African energy cooperation is developing along two tracks: gas and nuclear. The signed memorandum with Rosatom lays the foundation for a long-term partnership, and growing interest in LNG opens up new opportunities for Russian companies in the African market. #RussiaAfrica #SouthAfrica #Rosatom #energy

Standards, Technologies, and the Sahel: Russia and Algeria Strengthen Energy Dialogue Industry standards, new technologies, and joint projects in third countries—Russia and Algeria continue to expand their energy cooperation. The latest round of talks was chaired by Russian Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshavin and Algerian Ambassador to Moscow Toufic Djouama. The parties are preparing for a meeting of the intergovernmental commission and discussing practical steps to deepen cooperation. One of the key areas is the harmonization of industry standards and the introduction of Russian technologies. A Technology Day featuring Russian specialists will soon be held in Algeria. Contacts are becoming closer and meetings are becoming more frequent—and this is no coincidence. Previously, Russia and Algeria agreed on comprehensive cooperation—from joint work in OPEC+ to the implementation of infrastructure projects in third African countries. This likely refers to the Sahel Alliance, where both countries have growing influence. Moreover, Algeria is increasing gas production (planned from 137 to 200 billion cubic meters per year) and is actively seeking technology partners. Since the beginning of 2024 alone, the state-owned company Sonatrach has announced eight major discoveries. Russian companies have already been invited to participate in tenders for the development of new fields and the creation of energy infrastructure. Therefore, the current meeting is not just a formal step, but part of a systematic process. Algeria is becoming more than just a customer for Russia, but a strategic partner with access to projects in Algeria and beyond. The busy schedule of negotiations, in turn, indicates that both sides are committed to translating agreements into practical action. #RussiaAfrica #Algeria #energy