Opinion
Russia-Africa Summit: Unlocking Opportunities For Economic Growth And Collaboration
By Lawal Sale
The second Russia-Africa Summit is set to take place in St. Petersburg, Russia’s vibrant second-largest city, on July 27-28, 2023. This highly anticipated event aims to further strengthen the bonds between Russia and African nations across various crucial sectors, including politics, economics, science and technology, security, infrastructure, education, and culture.
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With the majority of the 54 African leaders expressing their keen interest in attending this landmark summit, it is expected to be a pivotal gathering for fostering cooperation and mutual understanding. The Summit, themed “Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Summit,” also seeks to establish a foundation for the creation of prosperous, secure, and harmonious regions in the face of evolving global realities.
The programme schedule, as shared by Anton Kobyakov, an advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlights the inclusion of over 30 panel sessions and thematic events addressing key cooperation issues between Russia and African countries. Furthermore, Kobyakov emphasized the growing significance of Africa in the emerging multipolar world order, stating that “Africa will obviously play an increasingly important role in the emerging architecture of the multipolar world.”
This significant summit follows the success of the inaugural Russia-Africa Summit held in Sochi in October 2019, under the theme of “peace, security, and development.” Co-chaired by President Putin and then-chairperson of the African Union (AU), Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the event marked a historic moment as it constituted the first major gathering of African and Russian leaders since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
These summits serve as integral components of Russia’s foreign policy objectives, providing an invaluable platform for face-to-face discussions and interactions between political leaders, business executives, experts, and the media. By fostering such engagements, the summits actively contribute to the development of joint ventures and collaborations between Russia and Africa.
Building upon the success of the 2019 Summit, which resulted in the signing of trade deals worth a staggering $12 billion and more than 50 contracts between the two sides, the main objective of the upcoming summit is to further elevate the mutually beneficial partnerships to new heights.
The historical ties between Russia and African countries trace back to the 1940s and 1950s when concerted efforts were made to decolonize African nations. The strong bond of friendship established during that era continues to endure, with the Soviet Union providing unwavering support to African nations in their struggle against colonialism, apartheid, racism, and their fight for national independence.
As delegates from Russia and Africa convene in St. Petersburg to deliberate on critical economic and humanitarian issues, it is vital to recognize the shift from unilateralism to multilateralism and the growing inclination of African nations towards aligning their policy orientation with Russia and China.
This summit presents a golden opportunity for Africa to devise a pragmatic and well-structured strategy that capitalizes on the expanding market potential and enhances trade relations with Russia. By addressing the longstanding trade imbalance that has persisted between the two regions, Africa can actively foster worthwhile business relationships and partnerships.
To achieve this, it is crucial for Africa to organize purposeful trade platforms and business missions that effectively showcase its economic potential to the Russian Federation. In essence, concerted efforts must be made to enhance Africa’s exports to Russia.
Simultaneously, Russia possesses vast technological expertise in areas such as nuclear energy, oil and gas, transport technology, machine building, and construction, which can significantly benefit Africa. Meanwhile, Africa, with its abundant natural and human resources, as well as its diverse agricultural products such as coffee, tea, fruits, flowers, cocoa, cashew nuts, and peanuts, holds a strategic position to boost trade with the Russian Federation and foster a more balanced trade relationship.
By capitalizing on these opportunities and fostering a spirit of collaboration, the Russia-Africa Summit aims to unlock immense potential for economic growth and development, benefiting both regions and fostering a more prosperous and interconnected world.
Sale is an Abuja-based Global Affairs Analyst. (lawalmaida1@yahoo.com)
By Rinret Jennifer Mwarap
The unrelenting massacre of citizens in Plateau State has reached an alarming level. While the government claims to be taking steps to restore order, the reality on the ground tells a different story one that feels like nothing meaningful is being done.
It is heartbreaking to see our loved ones butchered without cause. The questions torment us: What have we done wrong? Who have we offended? Where did we go astray? Must we continue to endure this suffering for no justifiable reason?
The killing of innocent people in Plateau must come to an end. The government and security forces cannot afford to look away. Their responsibility is clear they must act swiftly and decisively to bring the perpetrators to justice, for the sake of the innocent victims and the children left behind.
I call on the Governor of Plateau State to rise to this challenge. Take bold and immediate action against those who seek to destroy our land and shed innocent blood. Let them face the full weight of the law.
This feels like a nightmare—how did we get to the point where the same Plateau where I once slept peacefully with both eyes closed is now a place where even sleeping with one eye open feels unsafe?
Where is the peace in our “Home of Peace and Tourism”?
When will our tears dry? When will justice prevail?
If we truly seek peace, then justice must be non-negotiable.
Ken Nnamani, a former president of the senate, says he did not beg Elisha Abbo, a former senator representing Adamawa north, on behalf of any judge after the ex-lawmaker lost his election case in court.
In October 2023, the court of appeal sacked Abbo and declared Amos Yohanna, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner of the Adamawa north senatorial election.
Appearing on Channels Television on Wednesday, Abbo said he was a victim of “miscarriage of justice”.
The former senator said Nnamani pleaded with him on behalf of a judge after he lost his election case in 2023.
Reacting in a statement, the former senate president described Abbo’s claim as “blatant lies”.
“My greatest surprise was to hear him state that Senator Ken Nnamani visited him to plead with him on behalf of a judge for the miscarriage of justice. This statement is a blatant lie. I do not know how Senator Abbo can boldly fabricate an event that never happened to buttress his allegation of judicial miscarriage against him,” he said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I have never visited Senator Elisha Abbo at his house or anywhere. Up to this moment, I do not know where he lives. I have never discussed with him about his case, or any case pending or decided by any court of law in Nigeria.
“The only time I met with him was when he visited me in my house. It was more of a social visit by him. At this meeting, we never discussed his case or any case. I recall that when the matter of his political career came up, I advised him to avoid controversies as a young politician.
“The statements Senator Abbo made regarding me and his case are all fabrications. I believe I have had a sterling and distinguished public service career. I am determined to maintain my integrity and commitment to excellence till the end of my life.”
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.