Russia–Africa: Moscow Business Forum Pushes for Concrete Partnerships Beyond Dialogue

Moscow Chamber of Commerce Promotes Stronger Russia–Africa Business Ties

Held at the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the forum served as a preparatory platform ahead of the 3rd Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum. Its primary objective was to strengthen direct contacts between Russian and African businesses and identify opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships.

Opening the event, Vladislav Mishchenko, Vice-President of the MCCI for International and Interregional Activities, highlighted the Chamber’s longstanding commitment to strengthening commercial relations between Russia and African countries. He also welcomed delegates visiting Moscow for the first time, emphasizing the importance of engaging new partners.

MCCI President Vladimir Platonov stressed that Africa has increasingly become a priority at the state level in Russia’s international engagement. However, he noted that cooperation must extend beyond high-level forums to deliver sustained economic results.

“The main thing is that the work carried out between Russia and Africa is not limited to holding forums. This is constant multifaceted work,” Platonov said, emphasizing the role of chambers of commerce in creating favourable conditions for entrepreneurs to establish mutually beneficial partnerships.

Agriculture, Mining and Digital Technologies Take Centre Stage up

The forum’s panel session featured presentations on business projects and emerging opportunities across traditional industries and high-tech sectors. Discussions focused on food production, waste processing, geological exploration, information technology and logistics.

Dmitry Kulakovsky, Director for International Business Development at VISIONLABS, presented the company’s digital services and computer vision technologies, particularly solutions designed to improve public safety and support the development of smart cities.

Tatiana Arestova, Director General of the Laboratory of Remote Forecasting of Mineral Deposits, outlined methods and opportunities in mineral exploration. Meanwhile, Ekaterina Katyukova, founder of Finagro, presented the company as a potential partner in agricultural development.

Anton Boikov, Territorial Manager at Makfa, also introduced the company’s activities during an online presentation, highlighting the participation of Russian businesses seeking to expand their international reach.

These presentations illustrated the diversity of potential partnerships between Russian companies and African markets, from agricultural value chains to technological innovation and mineral resource exploration.

African Representatives Highlight Opportunities for Economic Cooperation

African participation underscored the importance of developing commercial relations based on shared economic interests and practical projects.

Nadezhda Tikhomirova, Head of Foreign Trade Projects at the Centre for Foreign Trade, presented Ethiopia as an emerging centre of economic growth on the African continent, drawing attention to its potential for international business cooperation.

Willy Mishiki Buhini, a member of the National Assembly and Honorary Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, also called for stronger commercial ties between Africa and Russia.

“We are very comfortable working with Russia; it has never colonized any country, and this is very good for Africa. Our goal now is to promote business between Africa and Russia!” he stated.

Sergei Ladochkin, President of the BRICS House International Public and Business Centre, highlighted the importance of public diplomacy in promoting interregional cooperation, particularly in business and industry.

Alexander Biryukov, Honorary Representative of the MCCI in African countries and head of the Russian-African Commonwealth and Bizaf, expressed confidence that the Chamber could serve as an effective platform for identifying partners, implementing projects and achieving tangible results.

B2B Meetings Aim to Turn Business Contacts into Concrete Projects

Beyond the panel discussions, business-to-business (B2B) meetings formed a key component of the programme. The sessions enabled participants to establish targeted contacts, exchange information on market requirements and begin substantive negotiations with potential partners.

Companies had the opportunity not only to present their products and services to an international audience but also to identify prospective clients, clarify business needs and assess the conditions for entering new markets.

Participants also discussed regulatory frameworks, logistics routes and mechanisms for reducing risks when expanding into unfamiliar territories—issues that remain particularly important for businesses seeking to establish or scale up operations across Russia and Africa.

Supported by the Government of Moscow and the Moscow Department of Economic Policy and Development, the forum highlighted the growing importance of business-led engagement in Russia–Africa relations.

As the 3rd Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum approaches, the Moscow meeting sends a clear message: the success of Russia–Africa economic cooperation will depend not only on diplomatic dialogue but also on the ability of businesses to build lasting partnerships, mobilize investment and translate shared interests into measurable economic outcomes.

By Xandra Beyene

Media Coverage : (+237)694810981