Russia’s Africa Strategy: Media as a Pawn in a Geopolitical Game?

A power play is unfolding in Africa, and Russia’s renewed interest is unmistakable. Talk of a “multipolar world” resonates, with Africa positioned as a key piece. Yet, this resurgence raises questions about genuine partnership versus strategic maneuvering.

Russia’s media outreach efforts, like the recent “TASS – Africa: the Path of Friendship” press tour, signal a determined push. TASS aims to re-establish news bureaus across Africa, reminiscent of Soviet-era influence. This initiative suggests a desire to shape the narrative. How will this aspiration tackle the realities on the ground?

Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma, stated Russia’s competition with other global players in Africa. Fine, competition is expected. Still, moving “from intentions to concrete actions” is where the rubber meets the road. Russia touts its history of providing “good things” and development solutions to Africa. Is it all true?

The emphasis on boosting Russian media presence in Africa is noteworthy. African ambassadors apparently welcomed the idea, but a direct comparison between Russian media reach and that of the US, UK, and Germany reveals a significant gap. It’s quite big. Can Russia bridge it?

Geopolitical hurdles exist. Russian officials routinely bemoan “anti-Russian media campaigns” orchestrated by Western outlets in Africa. Regardless, the scarcity of information about economic and tourism developments between Russia and Africa is palpable. African entrepreneurs and political figures want opportunities in Russia.

A sustainable partnership demands more than just words. Think educational exchanges, visa-free tourism, and opportunities for media engagement with ordinary Russians. It requires opening up, and that’s where things often get tricky.

China, for instance, grants duty-free access to its market for many African nations. Russia seems less inclined to take such steps. A reluctance to ease visa restrictions for African reporters, for instance, speaks volumes. Many Africans strategically balance relationships with Russia alongside existing ties with the US and Europe. This balancing act is critical.

The lack of reciprocal media representation is a persistent problem. African leaders and business executives often rely on Western media for information about Russia, fostering a potentially biased perspective. Consider that Africa’s middle class numbers around 280 million—twice Russia’s population. That’s a significant information market. So, balanced media coverage is not just desirable; it is essential.

During a Russia-Africa Summit, Ambassador Artem Kozhin highlighted the disparity: Roughly 300 news bureaus from 60 countries operate in Russia, but only a few represent Africa. This imbalance, according to Kozhin, hardly reflects the dynamically developing relations. Invitations to African media to establish bureaus in Moscow have been extended.

Professor Alexey Vasiliev, a former Special Representative of the Russian President for Relations with Africa, believes that Africa’s understanding of Russia is limited due to its reliance on Western media sources. This echoes the familiar refrain of “fake news” and “anti-Russian propaganda.” Actions speaks louder than words.

Professor Irina Abramova, Director of the Africa Studies Institute, has consistently pointed to the alarming lack of African media presence in Russia. She emphasizes that the image of Russia formed by African audiences is often at odds with reality. First-hand information, she argues, is crucial for fostering mutual understanding.

Not a single African news agency has permanent accreditation in Russia. This is the statement. Expanding cooperation in the information sphere requires active collaboration. The Foreign Ministry’s Africa Department must adopt a more collaborative approach. A Russia-Africa Press Exchange Programme, promoting regular visits between Russian and African media, would be a tangible step.

Tatyana Dovgalenko, Director of the Department for Partnership with Africa at the Russian Foreign Ministry, emphasizes the importance of Russia being seen as a “reliable friend and partner.” The Russia-Africa summits in 2019 and 2023 are touted as breakthroughs, marking a “revival” of relations. Still, this narrative needs to be substantiated with concrete actions that benefit both sides.

Following discussions about integrated cooperation and improved public diplomacy, the media initiative is just one aspect. Sergey Lavrov chaired a meeting on the “Concept of the Russian Federation on Cooperation with African Media,” highlighting the strategic importance of media engagement. Russia aims to share its strategic interests with Africa.

Overcoming these challenges requires concrete steps. Creating opportunities for African journalists in Russia and increasing the presence of Russian media in Africa are essential. A mid-November 2025 media tour, inviting representatives from 10 Francophone African countries, suggests a willingness to engage. Will this translate into systemic change?

The key question remains: Is Russia truly committed to a balanced partnership with Africa, or is media outreach merely a tool in a larger geopolitical strategy? Time will tell. What is the next thing to come out of this.

Read Original

Keywords: Russia Africa strategy, Russia media Africa, Africa geopolitics, Russia Africa relations, African media Russia, Russia Africa summit, Media influence Africa, Russia foreign policy