"AFRICA IS FERTILE GROUND FOR RUSSIAN BUSINESS": FBA EAC AT THE "AFRICAN INITIATIVE" SESSION

On October 2, the strategic session "Russia–Africa: Defining the Architecture of Cooperation" was held at the Central International Trade Center in Moscow, dedicated to the third anniversary of the "African Initiative" news agency. The event was attended by Viktor Bout, a State Duma Deputy representing the LDPR party, alongside representatives of Russian state organizations, embassies of African nations, and the Russian and African business communities. An active exchange of views took place regarding the prospects for bilateral business cooperation.

The delegation of the Financial and Business Association of Euro-Asian Cooperation (FBA EAC) at the session was represented by Alexander Murychev, Vice President of RUIE and Chairman of the FBA EAC Board; Louis Gowend, President of the African Business Club; Marina Nesterenko, Chairman of the FBA EAC Committee on International Cooperation and Tourism; and Sergey Korotkov, Head of the FBA Committee on Multilateral Cooperation with BRICS Countries.

In his address, Alexander Murychev highlighted the importance of and strong interest in fostering cooperation between FBA EAC, RUIE, and the African continent, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, industrial collaboration, environmental sustainability, energy, and transport. The expert also emphasized the critical relevance of this engagement under current sanctions pressure, identifying mineral extraction and processing, as well as the supply of fertilizers and agricultural products, as highly promising avenues. According to him, Africa represents fertile ground for Russian business. Mr. Murychev affirmed that FBA EAC and RUIE stand ready to provide comprehensive information and communication support for such engagement.

The strategic session was held on the eve of the third "Russia–Africa" Summit, scheduled for October 28–29 in Moscow. The Summit’s agenda is firmly focused on economic priorities, including trade, investment, logistics, energy, and human resources development. The approval of a strategic cooperation plan for 2027–2029 is anticipated.