Business programme 2019

Plenary session

Russia and Africa: Uncovering the Potential for Cooperation

Address by the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin
Address by the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdelfattah Al-Sisi

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Plenary session

Introducing Russia to Africa

African economies are currently striving to achieve inclusive growth and sustainable development – efforts which must be supported by constant technological progress. Today’s global technological landscape is becoming increasingly digital, opening up new opportunities to overcome challenges facing Africa and the entire world, such as famine, inequality, illiteracy, and disease. Digital technologies are changing approaches to communication, leading to more effective governance and increased access to government services. Technology is bringing together solutions across a range of sectors to form comprehensive projects, while creating a single value-added growth chain and an integral mechanism for strengthening human capital – something which is vital for young African economies. What technological solutions could help countries in Africa to accelerate growth in prosperity? What should be the starting point for implementing information and communications technology? Which areas would give the greatest rewards? What needs to be done to train personnel for this new technological wave?

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Creating Joint Projects

Current Objectives in Developing the Housing Construction Market on the African Continent

Access to housing is one of the most pressing issues facing most African countries. Modern housing and a comprehensive approach to spatial planning can help ensure sustainable urban development and socioeconomic growth. We must now determine the needs of the housing construction market in African countries and identify joint solutions and ways of working together to achieve the most effective results in the shortest possible time. Practical steps aimed at identifying, supporting, and implementing joint projects are vital to such partnerships. What needs to be done to enter the first stage of constructing residential districts? What can governments do to support foreign investment? What mutually beneficial financial instruments are required? What needs to be done to provide inclusive access to safe and affordable housing and ensure high-quality development planning?

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Welcome address:


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Collaborating in the Humanitarian and Social Sector

Humanitarian Cooperation: Development Goals and Corporate Social Responsibility

Humanitarian partnership between Russia and African countries is becoming increasingly important. It is an area covering the development of human capital (education and culture), social programmes, healthcare, and access to essential benefits supporting people’s lives and national development in countries across the continent. Russian companies are paying more and more attention to social development in the countries in which they operate. How can African nations overcome poverty, disease, and conflict? In what areas do governments and international organizations need corporations to step in? What social responsibility and humanitarian programmes are already being implemented by Russian companies in Africa?

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Collaborating in the Humanitarian and Social Sector

Russia and Africa: Science, Education, and Innovation for Economic Development

The accelerated development of both Russia’s and Africa’s economic potential is inextricably linked to scientific output and the improvement of general education and professional training. The 21st century has heralded the rise of the knowledge economy. Scientific research and development results in new products and industries, and is able to make a vital contribution to tackling current social and economic challenges facing our countries. The Soviet Union made an invaluable contribution to developing the scientific and educational potential of a number of African countries. What can Russia offer today in terms of developing science and education in Africa, particularly as part of the African Union’s Agenda 2063? What new opportunities does cooperation in science and education with countries of the African continent present to Russia?

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Forging Economic Ties

The Role of Media in Russian–African Relations

The African continent is becoming ever more important in today’s international order. It plays a crucial role in the development of global economic ties and international relations, as well as in the construction of a stable and comprehensive international security system. Russian–African relations are adding an additional dimension to developments, especially with the boost provided by rapidly expanding links across a vast range of areas. The media can, and indeed must be a decisive factor in building effective ties. Africa is frequently portrayed in the media as suffering from numerous intergovernmental, religious, and ethnic conflicts, political and economic instability, and an array of demographic and social problems. Knowledge of today’s Russia and the steps being taken by its political leaders to tackle global challenges is also given little space in the continent’s media landscape. What issues are currently being encountered in the formation of the modern media landscape? What role does the media play in Russian–African relations? What are the prospects for collaboration in the information sphere? What needs to be done to develop a Russian media agenda in Africa? What is the role and place of Russia in the information space of Africa today?

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Creating Joint Projects

Transport Infrastructure on the African Continent: Opportunities to Implement Joint Projects

In partnership with Russian Railways

The transport sector in Africa possesses excellent potential for development. The continent’s railways offer great promise, as do joint ventures. Several African nations have prioritized the development of their transport infrastructures, particularly given transport’s ability to spur growth in key industries. The expansion of transport links brings with it additional jobs and expertise, and improves quality of life for the local population. Russia is able to offer technology and expertise at the very forefront of construction, planning, engineering, and equipment supplies. However, there remain a number of barriers to the market, as well as a lack of financing and country-specific risks. What prospects exist in the African market for Russian companies and suppliers today? And what forms of government support and guarantees could beneficiary countries in Africa provide for comprehensive projects implemented inside their borders?

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Forging Economic Ties

Financing as an Essential Instrument of Economic Growth in Africa

The African continent has enormous economic potential and is actively integrating into the system of international economic relations. Prospects for Russia to increase its trade with African countries are directly linked to the diversification of its merchandise exports. However, this is only a realistic aim if international financing channels are put in place to facilitate growth in trade. Given the interest in Russia and Africa increasing economic cooperation, new solutions need to be found to implement ambitious trade projects. Is it possible to speak of a revival of foreign trade and of its subsequent development? What can be done to find reliable financial partners? What are some potential barriers to expanding the volume of financing for joint Russian–African deals? What are the solutions to these problems?

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Creating Joint Projects

Contribution of Nuclear Technologies in the Development of Africa

In partnership with the ROSATOM State Atomic Energy Corporation

Today, African countries face major challenges. Rapid population growth and the worsening energy crisis are constraining economic growth on the continent. The poor transport infrastructure, reduced access of the population to health services, low level of education and food supply insecurity are severely hampering Africa’s efforts to improve the quality of life in the region. It is clear that to solve these problems a large-scale development programme is required, including a strategy based on achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Nuclear technologies can become a driver for socioeconomic development and a comprehensive solution to the systemic continent-wide problems. What is the first step that should be made in order to promote nuclear technologies in Africa? Is the use of nuclear technologies in the energy sector sufficient to implement the ambitious developmental plans for the region? What opportunities will open up for African countries after the implementation of nuclear technologies? Which approach to the implementation of national nuclear programmes is the most effective for newcomer countries?

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Forging Economic Ties

Economic Sovereignty for Africa: Problems and Solutions

In partnership with International Agency for Sovereign Development (IASD)

In order to fulfil their development objectives and meet the needs of their citizens, countries in Africa are compelled to turn to foreign sources of financing. However, these mainly take the form of credit from international financial institutions and direct loans whereby the creditor imposes socioeconomic and political requirements which limit a country’s sovereignty. Sovereign bonds and other forms of borrowing on the capital market account for just a small proportion of African debt, but some countries on the continent are still unable to access this form of financing. As a result, more than USD 100 billion of borrowing potential is going untapped. More than USD 200 billion of existing debt could be refinanced under less stringent conditions. Are traditional approaches to assessing the borrowing potential of African nations suitable? What is the real cost of concessionary financing from the IMF and World Bank? Why is it that multinational corporations extracting minerals in Africa are able to attract capital on far better terms than countries where these natural riches are located? What will be the consequences for African countries if the current economic model continues to be used? What is the formula for restoring economic sovereignty and accelerating national development across the African continent? What can be done to ensure that money which has been pocketed by outside figures gets returned to Africa?

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Creating Joint Projects

Russian–African Collaboration in the Diamond Industry

In partnership with ALROSA

The diamond mining industry is key to the economies of several African countries, accounting for a significant portion of income from exports. Today, diamond mining faces a number of industry-wide challenges, attempts to tackle which will determine its future. What is the potential for sharing experiences in diamond mining technology and industrial safety? What form could cooperation in sorting and marketing take? How can Russian and African companies work together in these areas? What can be done to ensure customer trust in diamonds? How can effective and responsible diamond supply chains be built from Africa to the global market? What should the role of industry organizations be in this matter?

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Forging Economic Ties

Investing in Africa

In 2050, Africa’s total GDP will reach USD 29 trillion, exceeding the combined GDP of the US and the Eurozone in 2012. Pan-African and national growth strategies as well as global thinktanks’ forecasts highlight the following growth areas and potential key drivers of the continent’s rise in the medium and long term: commodities; infrastructure (utilities and roads) and industrialization; demography; education; an expanding middle class; and access to financial services. These factors will define the continent’s investment outlook in terms of its future investment climate, current investments and their diversification. They have potential either to bolster or hamper capital inflows. Which countries can set a growth pattern for African states (China, Chile, India, Vietnam)? What lessons can be learnt from existing investment projects (Russia, China, India)? What are the reasons behind their successes and failures? To what extent are such projects practicable in Africa? What are Africa’s high-opportunity regions and economic sectors?

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Forging Economic Ties

The Eurasian Economic Union and Africa: Trends and Opportunities to Develop Integrated Processes and Collaborate

Over the past few decades, economic integration processes have become an overarching trend in regional development throughout the world. They have helped member states to successfully embed themselves in the global economy and minimize the risk of crises occurring in various industries. Economic integration provides a new perspective on crucial projects related to infrastructure, logistics, energy, trade, agricultural and industrial development, digitalization, migration policy, and employment. It offers additional opportunities to form common approaches to issues concerning the environment, renewable energy, and other factors determining scientific and technological progress. In view of the substantial expertise that regional associations offer, the next logical step is to foster dialogue between them and exchange experience at the forefront of integration, with the aim of optimizing economic integration processes and collaborating on the widest possible range of issues. How are regional economic integration processes developing in Eurasia and Africa? Which areas offer the greatest potential for mutually beneficial partnership between regional integration bodies? How does integration affect the structure of the global economy? What benefits does economic integration in the two regions offer for business?

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Forging Economic Ties

Doing Business in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities

Today, Africa is one of the most promising and fastest-growing regions of the world, with leading powers actively competing with one another. However, the continent should not be viewed as a single, monolithic market. Its economy varies from place to place in terms of type, scale, and structure. Africa today is a place of great political, cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity. As a result, each country has a unique business culture, requiring an individual approach from any company wishing to enter its market. What is the business and administrative environment like in the countries of the continent? What specific features of competition can be identified? What cultural and civilizational aspects should be taken into account in order to successfully do business in Africa?

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Creating Joint Projects

Collaboration in Industry: Potential Areas of Growth

The development of high-tech and export-orientated industries in the Russian manufacturing sector has laid the groundwork for expanding areas of collaboration and launching ambitious long-term projects. What needs to be done to bring about a substantial improvement in collaboration between Russia and Africa? Which areas of cooperation are of most interest to Russian businesses and African nations? What projects and forms of Russian–African partnership are in need of financial support from parties such as Afreximbank?

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Creating Joint Projects

Russia–Africa: Cooperation in the Energy Sector

Africa currently has a population of over one billion people. It boasts a huge wealth of resources and is undergoing rapid growth. By 2050, Africa could become one of the world’s major economies. One of the essential conditions for achieving such ambitious results is an effective energy policy which preserves Africa’s unique natural resources. How can we make effective use of the resource potential of African states, including their energy resources? Which international partners must Russia and Africa collaborate with in the energy sector? Does ensuring a range of different investment streams in energy projects serve as a guarantee for the successful development of the energy sector? How will the ‘green agenda’ affect development and change the structure of the energy sector in Africa?

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Forging Economic Ties

Digital Transformation as a Driver of State Development

Today, digitalization is a major driver of state development. Effective e-government simplifies communication between people and the state, and helps create an effective system for departments to interact with one another. As a result, people gain quicker access to government services. In turn, this leads to greater user satisfaction, and substantial monetary savings. How can a balance be struck between economizing and providing high-quality services? How can people’s needs be determined and met with maximum efficiency? Urban development and city transformation through technological means into a safe and comfortable environment is a contemporary global trend. What is the key factor launching technological transformation? Which technologies are primary and defining for gaining the smart city status?

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Forging Economic Ties

Technological Sovereignty and Security in a Digital World: Solutions to Tomorrow’s Challenges

Africa’s fast-growing commercial sector is making rapid inroads in the virtual space. African companies are overcoming problems related to communication and financial infrastructure and choosing to immediately build their business online, implementing modern mobile solutions as they do so. However, the cybersecurity measures used by these fast-growing companies cannot keep up with their rapid development, leaving the companies vulnerable to cybercriminals. In terms of governmental information systems, a monopolization of global IT markets by a handful of major Western corporations could result in financial losses in Africa, threatening citizens’ personal safety and Africa’s sovereignty at large. Russian companies are global leaders in digital security and are capable of protecting African businesses from cyber threats while ensuring digital sovereignty for African states. Success can be guaranteed through building partnerships between African and Russian companies and training up an IT security workforce in each country. What cybersecurity measures does Africa currently need? What forms of cyberspace partnerships is Russia able to offer Africa?

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Creating Joint Projects

Business Associations in Russia and Africa: A Starting Point for Long-Term Business Partnership

A major barrier hindering greater cooperation between the Russian and African business communities is a lack of awareness regarding the current state of markets, along with trade and investment opportunities. There is also an insufficient level of trust towards potential partners. These issues can be solved through establishing an effective system of communication between public business associations in Russia and African nations. These organizations can both serve the interests of entrepreneurs, and also guarantee their reliability and integrity. In what ways could business associations help achieve qualitative growth in the number of business projects being implemented and foster cooperation? What can be done to effectively establish a system to support projects undertaken by Russian companies in Africa, and African companies in Russia? Could business diplomacy make up for the lack of government institutions and other means of aiding collaboration?

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Creating Joint Projects

Using Minerals in Africa for the Benefit of Its Peoples

There is a long history of Soviet and Russian specialists participating in and supporting the systemic geological study of a number of countries on the African continent. Their work on natural resource bases has done a great deal to aid mineral extraction. These countries now have the opportunity to leverage modern means of geological research and exploration, and in doing so, continue the comprehensive study of subsoil resources. This could lead to new and globally unique sites being developed, both on land and the continental shelf. What are the main changes that have occurred in key international mineral deposits markets and what further changes are expected? What modern methods can Russia offer African countries in terms of exploration, prospecting, extraction, processing, and obtaining minerals from mining waste products and water supplies?

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Collaborating in the Humanitarian and Social Sector

Biosecurity: Current Projects and Opportunities for Cooperation

Global threats in today’s interconnected world, such as epidemics of infectious diseases, have a huge impact on the development of African nations. Robust healthcare systems and the ability to react to these threats can boost prosperity and help countries to thrive. Over the past few years, the African continent has had to tackle outbreaks of dangerous infectious diseases affecting thousands of lives and costing national economies millions of dollars. Russia has a great deal of experience in reacting to health threats, and today is implementing large-scale projects in countries around the world. The productive ties with African countries which have traditionally existed, including in the business community, offer great potential for cooperation in studying infectious diseases and biological pathogens. What public health challenges and threats are faced by countries in Africa? What has been achieved through cooperation between Russia and African countries, and what further potential is there in this area? What can be done to involve Russian businesses in social initiatives in Africa?

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Creating Joint Projects

New Forms of Cooperation between Russia and Africa: Opportunities for Special Economic Zones Based on the Project to Establish a Russian Industrial Zone in Egypt

A new model for the development of production lines is based on closing the gap between production and delivery to the end consumer, minimizing logistical and technical expenses and facilitating projects with a social dimension to successfully develop the local economy. Based on this logic, creating and facilitating conditions conducive to competitive production, including the production of quality high-tech products, can be done most effectively through the use of points of entry. Such points draw on the advantages of special (free) economic zones, which provide additional competitive advantages when gaining access to local markets. The project to create a Russian Industrial Zone – devised and implemented at the interface between governments, state development institutions and business communities – is a unique step toward ensuring state investment and implementing the industrial zone mechanism to support access to foreign markets for relevant companies. What opportunities are there for exporters to support overseas infrastructure? What are the advantages of local platforms compared with domestic production hubs geared towards exports (special economic zones, business parks, etc.)?

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Collaborating in the Humanitarian and Social Sector

A Safe Africa

Illegal migration, contraband, and criminal activity are all too frequent problems facing the African continent. The biggest threat of all though is terrorism. Experts agree that to ensure a country’s national security, a set of measures needs to be taken, along with preventative action to combat possible threats. The biggest vulnerabilities in this regard include weak border control, unprotected industrial facilities, and large urban areas where it becomes easy to disappear into a crowd. An effective set of measures has been developed in Russia to counter terrorism, curtail illegal activity, and provide dependable protection for citizens. Russian organizations and companies are ready and able to share their experience with African partners. What can be done in the current climate to make Africa safe? How can state borders be made secure, and what measures should be taken to protect major sites and facilities of strategic importance? What can be done to stop illicit substances from being brought into a country and distributed? How can offenders be quickly identified, and what steps can help optimize the smooth running of urban infrastructure? What can be done to stop the illegal use of drones, which today can be bought in any store?

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Collaborating in the Humanitarian and Social Sector

Drivers of Growth in National Healthcare Systems

National healthcare systems are simply unable to cope economically with the burden of disease in Africa. Particular attention is given to infectious diseases; however, there is a growing need to fight against cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. What’s more, the high cost of medicines and services, together with a shortage of vital modern equipment, is hindering access to medical care in African countries. The lack of medical personnel is a particularly pressing problem. Cutting-edge technologies, such as mobile phones, blockchain, 3D printing, UAVs, and others clearly need to be applied as drivers of growth in this area. If used correctly, they could significantly improve the quality of medical services while cutting costs. The high number of people in Africa suffering from chronic diseases and requiring remotely administered care and treatment will spur the development of telemedicine. How will cooperation with Russia affect the development of healthcare in Africa? What areas of healthcare are in particular need of public and private investment? What innovative developments aiming to solve pressing issues affecting healthcare in African countries are currently in greatest demand? Could modern technology be a solution to the shortage of doctors? What could help significantly strengthen and improve national healthcare systems?

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Forging Economic Ties

The Future of the African Continent: Sovereignty and Traditional Values as Crucial Elements of a Development Strategy

In an era of globalization, protecting national values and priorities is a pressing concern. Economic and political sovereignty are the foundation of development in a polycentric world, and African countries are no exception. The African Union’s strategic framework Agenda 2063 highlights the importance of preserving African values and Pan-Africanism. How can countries preserve their African identity? What are the most pressing issues in Africa’s future and how can they be solved? What can Russia do to help people on the African continent form a development strategy and protect their right to make their own decisions?

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Creating Joint Projects

Digitalization in the Mining Industry: New Opportunities, Robots, Artificial Intelligence

Africa is a world leader by volume of reserves and the extraction of many valuable raw materials and fuels, over 90% of which is then exported. The mining industry forms the basis of many countries’ industrial capacity and exports and accounts for around 75% of all foreign investments. Traditional field development methods are becoming increasingly expensive. Productivity is dropping due to high maintenance costs, unreliable equipment, reactive troubleshooting, low capacity factors, and incidents related to safety violations. What new technologies can ensure modern industry development? How can workplace and environmental safety issues in the mining industry be dealt with effectively?

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Creating Joint Projects

Russian Geological Exploration in Africa: Looking to the Past and to the Future

In partnership with Rosgeologia

Africa is exceptionally rich in mineral reserves, although these have not yet been studied comprehensively. Compared with other continents, it boasts the largest ore reserves of manganese, chromite, bauxite, gold, platinum, cobalt, diamond, and phosphorite. It also has substantial oil, natural gas, graphite and asbestos reserves. Russian companies, for their part, have a wealth of experience leading exploratory work and are interested in working on the African continent. What is the level of inter-state cooperation on geology between Russia and Africa? What can Russian geological enterprises offer countries in Africa? What experience and knowledge were acquired during active visits by Russian (and Soviet) enterprises to Africa and how can this serve to renew cooperation in the geological field?

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Collaborating in the Humanitarian and Social Sector

Creating a New Quality of Life in Africa

Africa has the fastest-growing population in the world. Over 50% of people living in Africa are under the age of 26. At the same time, the quality of life on the African continent is one of the lowest in the world. How could Russia contribute to endeavours aiming to make life better for the people of Africa, especially its young people? What can be done to galvanize partnerships between educational institutions in Russia and Africa and increase the number of highly qualified Russian volunteers on the continent? How can library services be expanded and access to information be improved for young people living in African countries? What needs to be done to raise international awareness of African heritage? How can young people be involved and cooperation be strengthened in protecting this heritage at the local, regional, and global levels?

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Forging Economic Ties

The Contribution to Global Sustainable Development Made by Young People in Russia and Africa

It is crucial that young people play a role in international cooperation and efforts to build an environment allowing young leaders and entrepreneurs to be fully involved in efforts to tackle global challenges. These aims also tally with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Collaboration between young people in Russia and Africa can be strengthened by exchanging best practices and working together on specific projects. Leadership and startup communities play a particularly important role in establishing partnerships, as these are the most effective mechanisms for enacting a structural shift in the socioeconomic sphere. What mechanisms exist for young leaders and entrepreneurs in Russia and African countries to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063? How are young people in Russia and African countries helping to build joint international initiatives? What barriers are currently hindering the growth of collaboration between young people?

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Collaborating in the Humanitarian and Social Sector

Women in Russian–African Relations: Gender Balance in Politics, the Economy and the Social Sector

Developing female entrepreneurship and leadership is currently of interest in every region of the world and is discussed at platforms of leading international organizations and associations. According to forecasts, women’s full involvement in the economy will allow global GDP to reach USD 28 trillion by 2025, which is equal to that of the Chinese and US economies combined. On average, a woman in Europe currently earns 15% less than a man working in the same position. This gender gap is even more pronounced in Africa and Asia. In 2019, Russia presented an integrated systemic development model entitled ‘Women and the economy’ at UNIDO, which was formed on the basis of best practice in Russia and beyond. What are the best measures to support women today? What can be incorporated into the economies and social sectors of Russia and African countries to give impetus to the development of economic rights and initiatives for women?

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Creating Joint Projects

Sustainable Partnership in Agriculture: Institutions, Tools, and Guarantees

In partnership with PhosAgro

The steady development of African countries in the last few years, together with growing populations and income levels are all factors helping to boost agricultural production. However, a deficit of modern technology, lack of land suitable for farming, and a shortage of qualified personnel mean that the needs of the African market have not been fully met. Russia’s unique geographic conditions, together with its vast land and water resources, provide the country with enormous agricultural potential. In the past few years, Russian companies have taken active steps to increase exports of agricultural products and food. Indeed, Russia is already one of the ten largest food suppliers to Africa. However, a range of barriers related to infrastructure is currently hindering effective trade. Removing these could help collaboration reach an entirely new level. What can be done to build an effective logistics infrastructure aiming to boost partnerships with African countries? What is needed to develop mutually beneficial partnerships between Russia and Africa in the trade of agricultural products and food? What are the prospects today for Russian investment in agricultural production and infrastructure in African countries?

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Forging Economic Ties

The Competitive Edge of National Jurisdictions: Drawing on Russian and African Experience

Every government strives to create a legal system which will improve their national jurisdiction’s competitiveness, not only for domestic businesses, but international ones too. What international practices need to be adopted to rapidly develop national jurisdictions? What measures can be taken to improve the legal system and alternative dispute regulation system? What can be done to make the administration of justice better? What legislative solutions are necessary to create the most favourable conditions for the development of Russian–African economic relations?

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