Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia's Foreign Ministry, confirmed that trade between Russia and African countries topped 27 billion US dollars last year. The announcement signals a clear push from Moscow to deepen its economic footprint across the continent.
The figure came as Russia continues to position itself as a key partner for Africa, moving beyond its historical political ties into the territory of trade and economic cooperation. Zakharova's statement reflects an official effort to put real numbers behind that ambition.
Twenty-seven billion dollars is a headline figure, but the details of what drives that trade, which countries, which sectors, and on whose terms, are the conversation still waiting to happen.
Originally published by AllAfrica · info@newera.com.na (New Era).