Russia - Africa

The Russia-Africa Raw Materials Dialogue has concluded at Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University. For two days, experts from 32 countries discussed the development of economies on the African continent and, crucially, Russia’s role in this process. The concluding part of the forum consisted of round tables on the topics of the future of the global mining industry, modern technologies for the development and extraction of raw materials, new joint projects, and the training of a new generation of engineers.

In the Congress Hall of Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, an agreement was signed between the International Competence Center for Mining Engineering Education under the auspices of UNESCO and the Association of African Universities. This event, along with the address by the university’s rector, Professor Vladimir Litvinenko, became one of the central events of the Russia–Africa Raw Materials Dialogue.

In the Congress Hall of Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, the Russia–Africa Raw Materials Dialogue “The Path of Development: Mineral Resources and Personnel as the Foundation of Economic Sovereignty” has begun its work. Its mission is expressed by the key thesis of the anti-colonial declaration adopted 65 years ago by the UN General Assembly at the initiative of our country: “peoples may, for their own ends, freely dispose of their natural wealth and resources.”

Discussion among representatives of government, business, universities, and scientific and public organizations on ways to intensify scientific and economic cooperation in the efficient use of the resources of Africa and Russia will take place at Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University from October 29 to November 1, 2025.

”Africa is currently in active search of social institutions that would take responsibility for the urgently needed accelerated industrial and social development,” — this is how the new article by Vladimir Litvinenko, Rector of Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, begins on RIA Novosti. The author writes that the continent, which is the most promising in terms of natural resources, can no longer afford to continue the zero-sum game imposed by Western corporations. Therefore, it is turning its focus toward Russia.

One of the most significant events this autumn will be the Russia–Africa Raw Materials Dialogue, which will take place in Saint Petersburg from October 29 to November 1, 2025. The event will bring together leaders of sectoral ministries, representatives of the scientific and educational community, and business figures from both the Russian Federation and African nations. As of today, delegations from 27 African countries have confirmed their participation.

On September 1, Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University launched an educational program for representatives of African countries entitled “Management of Subsoil Use Facilities.” International internships and short-term courses are not new for this resource-focused university, yet this project is unlike any of its predecessors.

The 16th General Conference of the Association of African Universities was held from July 19 to 25, 2025, at the main campus of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Rabat, Morocco.

One of the key events at this year’s St. Petersburg International Economic Forum was the Russia–Africa Business Dialogue. Its central theme could be summarized as the pursuit of economic sovereignty by the countries of the African continent.

The conference “Responsibility of Global Leaders in Mineral Reserves and Extraction for the Sustainable Development of the Global Economy” brought together representatives of regulatory authorities from the Russian Federation and several African countries, companies in the mineral resource sector, as well as specialized educational and public organizations.