On 1 July, the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted the first meeting of the newly established expert group, bringing together specialists in foreign economic cooperation with African countries. The meeting aimed to introduce the participants to one another and establish a common framework for coordinating projects in preparation for the Third Russia–Africa Summit.
Opening the meeting, Vladislav Mishchenko, Vice President of the MCCI for International and Interregional Cooperation, emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships with African countries:
“Today, we have implemented a simple idea: to bring together the key stakeholders working with Africa in order to establish professional contacts and consolidate expert opinions. At present, the African continent is a strategic priority for the Russian Federation’s foreign trade cooperation.”
He noted that Russia’s diplomatic presence on the continent has expanded significantly in recent years. There are currently 45 Russian embassies operating across Africa, while an increasing number of regional offices and business representative offices of Russian brands are being established.
It was also emphasized that the meeting was organized ahead of the Third Russia–Africa Summit, which will take place in Moscow on 28–29 October 2026. Leaders of most African countries are expected to participate in the Summit and discuss cooperation, trade, investment, and security.
In his welcoming address, Alexander Biryukov, MCCI Honorary Representative in African countries and President of the Autonomous Non-Profit Organization “Russian–African Community Foundation,” emphasized the importance of consolidating the efforts of Russian companies, government institutions, and public organizations.
The expert group provides an effective platform for exchanging experience. Each country has its own unique characteristics, which is why sharing the experience of Russian companies operating in different African regions is particularly important.
During the expert group meeting, the participants in the business dialogue introduced themselves and their organizations, discussed potential areas of cooperation, and presented ideas for joint projects and initiatives that could be implemented with the participation of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry and its partners.
Expert meetings held in the form of a business dialogue help strengthen the involvement of the Russian business community in mutually beneficial cooperation with African countries.
The event was held with the support of the Government of Moscow and the Department of Economic Policy and Development of the City of Moscow.
Russian–African Commonwealth Foundation
