We summarize the main outcomes of the First Ministerial Conference of the “New Eastern Outlook” with Louis GOUEND, head of the Cameroonian diaspora in Russia, founder of the African Business Club in Russia, and a member of the Expert Council on Humanitarian Cooperation in the Russian State Duma.
– Mr Louis, Russian President Vladimir Putin, addressing participants at the recent Sochi Ministerial Conference on Russia-Africa relations, emphasized that African countries are gaining influence on the global stage. He noted that by pursuing a constructive and peace-oriented foreign policy, they are playing an increasingly significant role in addressing key international issues. This, of course, may not sit well with the West. In your opinion, how strong is the resistance from the former global hegemon, represented by the United States and the European Union, to the emergence of a multipolar world?
– The question of Africa’s role on the global stage is particularly important in the context of the emerging multipolar world. Today, Africa, with its abundant natural and human resources, is becoming a key global player. It is a continent with enormous market potential, as it is home to over a billion people, most of whom are young. This dynamic positions Africa not only as a consumer market but also as a hub for innovation and growth. Such development enhances Africa’s influence and makes it an attractive partner for major global players like the United States, China, India, Russia, and others. Many African countries are showing resilience and independence in their foreign policy agendas, striving to avoid falling into the trap of new dependencies.
– What key outcomes of the Sochi Ministerial Conference would you highlight?
– The key outcomes of the Sochi Conference include the strengthening of friendly ties and the development of specific mechanisms for collaboration. Russia and Africa signed numerous agreements across various sectors, including energy, agriculture, education, and culture. Special attention was given to issues of security, education, technology, economy, and humanitarian cooperation. These areas are particularly critical for Africa, where such challenges remain pressing.
The conference demonstrated that cooperation between Russia and African countries is reaching a new level, contributing to their strengthened positions in a multipolar world.
– Recently, Anton Kobyakov, adviser to the president and executive secretary of the organizing committee for the Russia-Africa forum, announced that Russia plans to establish an independent financial system, aiming to increase the share of settlements with African countries in “friendly” currencies to 90% by 2030. As the founder of the African Business Club in Russia, what is your perspective on how this will affect mutual trade between our countries?
– The creation of an independent financial system undoubtedly opens new opportunities for trade between Russia and Africa. It will help minimise dependence on third-party currencies and reduce risks associated with exchange rate fluctuations. Moreover, using “friendly” currencies can significantly simplify financial operations and transactions between our countries, making them more flexible and accessible. This step could also encourage small and medium-sized enterprises to engage in international markets.
– Trade turnover between Russia and Africa has reached a historic high, but there remains room for growth. As the founder of the African Business Club in Russia, in which areas do you see the most potential? What else can Africa offer Russia beyond the traditional exports of coffee, fruits, nuts, and cocoa?
– The record trade turnover achieved is just the beginning. Moving forward, there is significant potential for cooperation in areas such as energy, infrastructure, mineral extraction, innovative technologies, and education. Africa can also offer strategic resources like rare-earth metals, which are critical for high-tech industries. In turn, Russia can contribute to developing infrastructure across the African continent, investments in this area could benefit the entire region.
– In our conversation last year, we discussed the acute lack of information in Russia and African countries about each other, and the role of journalists in addressing this. Has the situation improved over the past year?
– Significant progress has been made compared to last year in improving mutual awareness between Russia and African countries. There are more joint projects and media initiatives aimed at providing objective information about developments in Russia and Africa. We are witnessing growing interest from both journalists and audiences on both sides. This is a gradual process, and we are confident that it will continue to strengthen in the coming years, helping to dispel old stereotypes and misunderstandings of the past.
Interview by Yulia NOVITSKAYA, writer and correspondent for “New Eastern Outlook”
