Russia and African countries will continue to develop joint energy projects

Anton Kobyakov, Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation, and Anjay Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Chamber of Energy, met in Moscow. As part of the implementation of the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation and the heads of state of the African continent, which were given following the Russia–Africa summits in 2019 and 2023, the parties discussed the development of joint Russian-African projects, including in the energy sector, as well as the prospects for the participation of representatives of African states in the flagship events of the Roscongress Foundation.

During the meeting, special attention was paid to plans to create a specialized Russian-African office to coordinate joint initiatives in the energy sector in Africa. They also discussed the current plans and objectives of the African Chamber of Energy, including the development of the flagship project, the African Energy Week.

Commenting on the current state of economic and trade relations between Russia and African countries, Anton Kobyakov emphasized the proactive position of his African colleagues in finding Russian solutions to the challenges they face. "Russia has recently received proposals for the implementation of significant energy projects in a number of African countries – oil refineries, renewable energy facilities and other critical infrastructure. Russia sees as a priority the creation of these and other capacities necessary to ensure the energy security of the African continent. With the holding of Russia–Africa format events in Russia, such a business dialogue acquires additional importance and the support of government representatives at the highest level," he added.

Another topic of the dialogue was liquefied natural gas, including its container shipments using state-of-the-art technology. Anton Kobyakov noted the prospects of using LNG, which is not only a household fuel, but also a fuel for transport. "It is multifunctional, modern transportation technologies allow the use of conventional container ships, the absence of the need for regasification increases the availability of the product to African consumers," he said.

Anjay Ayuk also noted that African countries have many ideas and projects. "Many members of the African Chamber of Energy provide services primarily in the energy sector. There are a large number of oil and coal deposits in Africa, and reclamation projects are underway. In this regard, we recommend that African companies use the services of Russian organizations, including for the reclamation of old deposits. We see great potential in cooperation with Russia and are open to any initiatives and projects, especially in the energy sector," added the Executive Chairman of the African Chamber of Energy.

The meeting also discussed some projects of Russian companies that have been implemented in African countries, the protection of the rights of Russian investors in Africa, and current issues of legislation in African countries.

The parties agreed to continue cooperation between Russia and the countries of the African continent, as well as joint work on the forum track. The dialogue will continue at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (June 18-21), the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok (September 3-6) and the Russian Energy Week (October 15-17), as well as at the African Energy Week, which will be held from September 29 to October 3 this year in Cape Town, the capital of South Africa.