Russia has increasingly focused on bolstering its energy partnerships with African nations, signaling a broader strategy to boost its geopolitical influence across the continent. Recent investments in Africa’s oil, gas and nuclear sectors reflect Russia’s ambitions to diversify its global energy engagements while capitalising on the continent’s growing energy demands.

In an effort to further solidify ties with Russia, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) is currently on a working visit to Moscow, engaging in discussions with Russian energy leaders. The visit highlights the growing importance of Russia-Africa energy cooperation, as the AEC explores further investment and partnership opportunities within Africa’s energy sector.

The AEC’s engagement with Moscow aligns with the broader goal of attracting diverse energy investments to meet Africa’s energy needs and underscores the ongoing efforts to enhance Russian involvement in the continent’s energy market.

Against this backdrop and ongoing G20 discussions on energy security and sustainability, Russia’s latest energy ventures in Africa are paving the way for deeper economic ties, increased Russian influence in the African energy market and potential opportunities for expanded collaboration in infrastructure development and technology transfer.

Russia’s Expanding Presence in African Energy

Russia’s leading energy companies are rapidly expanding their influence across the continent. In September 2024, Russian multinational energy corporation Lukoil signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Hydrocarbons of the Republic of Congo to enhance cooperation in oil exploration and production.

For Russia, Congo’s oil sector is a key resource that strengthens its position in the global energy market and supports its strategy to deepen ties with resource-rich African nations. With the G20’s focus on energy security and diversification, the agreement further solidifies Russia’s role as a pivotal player in Africa’s energy landscape.

Russia’s state-owned gas giant Gazprom has also expanded its operations. In Tanzania, Gazprom secured a deal to explore and produce natural gas, with an emphasis on compressed natural gas, which is vital for the East African nation’s growing energy needs. Tanzania’s efforts to diversify its energy sources highlight the significance of this partnership, providing Gazprom access to East Africa’s untapped gas potential while deepening the commercial ties between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Russian nuclear power company Rosatom is making inroads into Africa’s energy sector. Rwanda is currently negotiating with Rosatom to establish a nuclear science and technology centre and potentially build a nuclear power plant, which would also involve local capacity building, specialised training and technology transfer. Rosatom’s activities are part of Russia’s broader strategy to provide advanced nuclear technology and enable African countries to diversify their energy sources.

The company has also signed an MoU with Guinea-Conakry to develop floating nuclear power plants; three cooperation agreements with Mali to explore the construction of a low-power nuclear plant; and a nuclear cooperation deal with the Republic of Congo.

Nuclear power is becoming an attractive option for many African nations looking to meet growing energy demands while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Rosatom’s involvement positions Russia as a key partner in Africa’s energy transition, aligning with G20 discussions on sustainable and diversified energy sources.

The Future of Russia’s Energy Engagement in Africa

Russia’s growing energy investments in Africa reflect a strategic push to secure long-term energy partnerships with resource-rich nations. These investments – spanning oil, gas and nuclear sectors – demonstrate Russia’s commitment to becoming a dominant energy player in Africa, capitalizing on the continent’s untapped energy potential.

For Russia, Africa represents a vital frontier in the global energy market, and its rising energy demands and need for infrastructure development have created opportunities for Russian companies to provide both traditional and alternative energy solutions. These investments align with Russia’s efforts to secure long-term access to vital resources in a shifting global energy landscape, while competing with established players like the U.S. and China on the continent.

African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies is a platform for discussing Africa’s energy future and attracting global investments in the sector. As the continent seeks to diversify its energy mix, AEW, according to officials, offers an opportunity for Russian companies and investors to deepen their engagement on the continent, forge new partnerships and explore emerging opportunities in Africa’s evolving energy landscape.

Looking ahead, Russia’s energy strategy in Africa will likely focus on strengthening bilateral ties, enhancing energy security and contributing to the continent’s energy transition. As the G20 continues to prioritise global sustainability and diversification, Russia will aim to position itself as a reliable partner in both traditional energy resources and emerging technologies like nuclear power.

Russia’s expanding presence in Africa’s energy industries underscores its ambition to become a strategic partner for the continent. However, navigating geopolitical dynamics and international competition will be key to ensuring that the country’s investments deliver long-term benefits for both Russia and Africa’s energy future.

The coming years will be crucial in determining whether Russia can solidify its position as a leading energy player on the continent, especially in light of the G20’s focus on sustainable energy development.

Courtesy: African Energy Chamber