The Paradox of Global Supply Chains

Russia has shipped its first chocolate confectionery to Ghana, one of the world's largest cocoa bean producers.

The country's status as a key player in the cocoa market (second only to Côte d'Ivoire) makes deliveries to Ghana particularly significant. Approximately 50% of agricultural land is devoted to cocoa production, and annual exports exceed 700,000 tons.

However, the development of this promising sector faces internal challenges. The Russian chocolate industry is entirely dependent on cocoa bean imports, and as of May 1, 2025, the zero import duty on cocoa beans has been replaced by a rate of 3-5%. Producers have already appealed to Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak for support, as rising costs could reduce export profitability.

The main buyers of Russian confectionery products remain the EAEU countries (Kazakhstan – 29%, Belarus – 22%). Success in Ghana opens opportunities for expansion into other African countries, where growing consumer demand and interest in high-quality imported goods combine. Further strengthening of this position will depend on the ability of businesses to combine competitive pricing with adaptation to local preferences, as well as the flexibility of the government's tariff policy.

#Russia #Ghana #trade #chocolate

Sports Diplomacy: Congo Holds Alina Kabaeva Gymnastics Tournament and Opens First Hand-to-Hand Combat School

The second international tournament of Russian Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva was held at the Brazzaville National Gymnastics Center. It was organized by the Congolese Gymnastics Federation and Africa Centrum. A presentation of Congo's first hand-to-hand combat school was also held.

"This tournament is more than just a sporting competition. It is a symbol of the friendship between our peoples, a symbol of our shared will to develop and mutual respect. It demonstrates that even in the face of global change, Russia and the Congo are working together to create a space of trust and cooperation," noted Yulia Berg, co-founder of the GlobUs expert club.

The launch of a hand-to-hand combat school with Russian specialists — Sergey Machulin, Master of Sports of Russia in hand-to-hand combat and hand-to-hand combat coach and instructor, and Anastasia Aleshina, winner of the World and European Taekwondo Championships — further enhances this sporting partnership.

This sporting event was an important step in strengthening and developing international dialogue, which will continue with the opening of a hand-to-hand combat school using Russian methods.

#Russia #Congo #sport

Berg: Transformation of the Global Business Landscape is Inevitable

Yulia Berg, CEO of the International Business Acceleration Center (IBAC), delivered a lecture at Belmont University (USA), where she outlined key trends that will radically change international business in the coming years.

"Within five years, the world will be unrecognizable. Geopolitical trends and the growing role of artificial intelligence will impact the familiar digital and physical landscape, not only in business but also in everyday life," Berg stated.

During her discussion with students, the expert also provided a detailed analysis of the specifics of business culture and communications in various regions of Africa. Berg also shared her experience in PR, GR, and business consulting.

#Russia #USA #Berg

Russian Caviar Opens New Markets in Africa

The Mosprom Center for Fisheries and Oceanography (CPE) conducted a business mission to Casablanca, Morocco, where it presented its products from the Russian Fish World company at the SIEMA FOOD EXPO 2025 exhibition. During the meetings and discussions, red caviar, as well as pike caviar, a new product for the market, generated key interest.

Morocco is emerging as a promising new destination for the premium segment. However, this is only part of the strategy to strengthen the position of Russian exporters on the continent.

At the same time, Russian canned fish and caviar are already actively exported to Tunisia and Algeria (traditional markets for saury and pink salmon), as well as Egypt and Nigeria (due to growing demand for preserves and lightly salted products). Furthermore, products are available through local distributors in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire.

#Russia #Africa #trade

Russian agricultural exports are expanding their presence in Africa through Western markets.

Over the past eight months, Russia's food exports to African countries reached 11 million tons, worth over $2.8 billion, with the western part of the continent demonstrating particularly strong growth. At the recent "Golden Autumn 2025" exhibition, a separate business session was devoted to prospects for cooperation with West African countries.

Wheat forms the core of the export basket, with shipments to West Africa increasing by 23% to 1.7 million tons. As noted by the Union of Grain Exporters and Producers, Russia is regaining its position as a key supplier to the region, which is almost entirely dependent on imports of this crop.

Nigeria remains the largest importer of wheat, accounting for 70% of total purchases.

At the same time, the geography of exports of various categories of goods to Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Liberia, Gabon, Namibia, and Sierra Leone is expanding.

Experts note a threefold increase in meat exports to $27 million, with the largest volumes going to Benin, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ghana. According to Dmitry Antonov, Senior Vice President of GAP Resource, the company has supplied over 11,000 tons of products to African countries in two years and plans to enter the markets of Namibia and Sierra Leone.

At the same time, new markets for vegetable oils are being developed in Togo and Guinea, and exports of finished food products, including meat products and beverages, are already measured in hundreds of tons and worth millions of dollars.

Industry experts predict that by 2030, the volume of Russian agricultural exports to West Africa could exceed $450 million.

#Russia #Africa #export

Russian-African Cultural Cooperation to be Discussed in Moscow

On October 17, a roundtable discussion, "Dialogues in Art and Culture: Russia-Africa," will be held at the Zurab Tsereteli Art Gallery in Moscow as part of the business program of the Russia-Africa Expo 2025 international forum.

The discussion will focus on the practical aspects of developing cultural ties.

Participants will discuss the creation of joint catalogs of African cultural heritage in Russian museums, prospects for developing art tourism between the countries, inter-museum cooperation, and the creation of Russian-African cultural centers.

Particular attention will be paid to the monetization of intellectual property in the arts and the development of creative industries.

The event is organized by the African Business Club, GATINGO International Association, the Russian Academy of Arts, and the MIR Foundation, with the support of RUDN University, the Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, and Moscow State Technical University-MASI.

#Russia #Africa #RussiaAfrica

Results of the strategic session at the Russia-Africa EXPO forum

A strategic session on cultural diplomacy was held as part of the second Russia-Africa EXPO 2025 forum, organized by the African Business Club under the leadership of Louis Gowend.

The event, attended by the ambassadors of Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo, heads of relevant associations, and educational institutions, demonstrated the transition from general discussions to concrete projects.

Key initiatives included proposals to create a Russian-African literary festival and the ArtBridge digital platform. Particular attention was paid to the economic aspects of cooperation: experts discussed mechanisms for monetizing joint projects in the creative industries within the framework of current legislation.

The session confirmed the growing interest of African countries in systemic humanitarian cooperation with Russia. The practical focus of the discussions indicates a transition in bilateral relations to a new level—from political declarations to the implementation of specific programs in culture and education.

#Russia #Africa #RussiaAfrica

GlobUs Research Opens New Opportunities for Russian Business in Africa

The GlobUs International Expert Club presents the first results of its work in the Republic of Congo, aimed, among other things, at strengthening economic cooperation between Russia and African countries. The association's large-scale socioeconomic study covered all departments of the country and provides businesses with unique data for entering this promising market.

"Our work is dedicated to strengthening mutual understanding and developing cooperation between the Russian Federation and African countries. The Republic of Congo occupies a special place in our priorities as an important and promising partner," notes the association's founder, Yulia Berg.

GlobUs' research allows Russian companies to gain a detailed picture of consumer demand, regional characteristics, and the potential of various sectors of the Congolese economy. The collected data is already being used to develop specific recommendations for the development of trade and economic ties.

The association continues its systematic work to create favorable conditions for business cooperation, combining in-depth analytics with practical solutions adapted to local realities.

#GlobUs #Russia #Africa #Congo

World Fragmentation and the Search for a New Security Formula: Results of the III Conference on Eurasian Stability

The III International Conference on Eurasian Security is taking place in the Belarusian capital on October 28 and 29. It is attended by scholars, diplomats, and experts from 40 countries. The forum focuses on the prospects for the formation of a new collective security system in Eurasia.

As part of the forum, the CSTO Secretariat organized a thematic event: "Prospects for Collective Security in Eurasia: the CSTO's Area of ​​Responsibility as a Space for Dialogue."

One of the speakers was Alexander Shpakovsky, a member of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus. In his report, he noted that with the development of multipolar relations, conflict is only increasing. One of the reasons is that the West still views other associations, including the CSTO, with hostility.

"At the expert community level, we must propose plans to de-escalate the situation. We must extend a hand for dialogue not as supplicants, but as strong and equal potential partners," the deputy emphasized.

During his speech, Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Foreign Ministry Alexander Trofimov outlined the essence of Russia's initiative to create security in Eurasia.

"No one's security can be advanced at the expense of others. This is what constitutes indivisibility. And the set of agreements and actions within which this principle is observed will constitute a unified security space — the sought-after architecture," the speaker stated.

In turn, Alexei Gromyko, Director of the Institute of Europe at the Russian Academy of Sciences, noted that the global trend toward the formation of regional international groupings or macroregions is growing. Currently, the Baltic-Scandinavian region and Russia find themselves at the forefront of a geopolitical confrontation, the expert emphasized, citing the threats manifested in the former as the reason for this.

In his speech, Pavel Sargsyan, consultant for the Information and Public Relations Department of the CSTO Secretariat, explained the main reason for the escalation of the international situation. According to him, on the one hand, this is the need to implement a new global agenda that meets the interests of the global majority. On the other hand, this conflicts with the interests of previously privileged centers (the US and the EU), which are now actively delaying these processes.

Yulia Berg, Director General of the International Business Advancement Center (IBAC), in turn, praised the effectiveness of integration processes within the Union State. However, she noted that such a sensitive area as security requires a foundation of sustainable values.

"Security is not a barbed wire fence and endless patrols. It is an atmosphere of trust, deeply intertwined values, and economic interests," Berg concluded.

#multipolarity #Belarus #security

Congolese congratulated Russia on its national holiday, National Unity Day

Hundreds of Congolese gathered on the Brazzaville embankment to support Russia on National Unity Day. As IBAC co-founder Andrey Gromov noted, the Congolese motto includes the words "Unité, Travail, Progrès." He emphasized that unity allows us to overcome any threat, as it did in Russia in 1612 and as is happening today.

"Victory in this unequal struggle against those who want to continue unjust oppression will belong to the common people. We will always be able to defend ourselves and prevail. Happy holiday, comrades!" — Gromov congratulated the friendly peoples of Russia and the Congo.

Following the march, educational lectures on Russian history were held at the GlobUs Laboratory of sense, which received enthusiastic responses from participants. They engaged in active discussions and asked questions, including in Russian. The event was widely covered by local media.

The celebration of Russia's National Unity Day in Brazzaville was a clear demonstration that the historical friendship between Russia and African countries not only remains intact but is also strengthening. Educational ties, cultural interaction, and personal experiences create a solid foundation for developing relations between peoples.

The Republic of the Congo is a long-standing and reliable economic partner for Russia in Central Africa. Russian companies, including Rosneft, are actively involved in the Congolese oil and gas sector, and bilateral contacts continue to develop through platforms such as the Russia-Africa Forum.

#NationalUnityDay #RussiaCongo #FriendshipOfPeoples #RussiaAfrica #Brazzaville

Freight flows in southern Russia have shifted to Africa

In 2025, companies in Russia's southern regions have completely restructured their logistics chains to target new markets. The next stage is a deeper presence in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

For example, the Rostov Region has begun exporting meat products to the Central African Republic and Togo, and has increased coal exports to Morocco. Damate supplies duck and turkey to Angola, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Agricultural exports to Lebanon and Tunisia have resumed.

At the same time, the Stavropol Region ships poultry to Liberia and flour to Benin, while the Krasnodar-based holding Progress Agro has launched flour exports to Djibouti. The Astrakhan Region also plans to expand its list of exporters, targeting agricultural products to Gabon. Specifically, this applies to rice, wheat flour, lamb, and canned goods.

The reduction of the key interest rate to 16.5% provided a positive boost to exporters. They received more accessible financing to increase supplies, but a number of challenges remain to be overcome, including logistics, as many African countries lack direct container lines.

#RussiaAfrica #SouthRussia #MadeinRussia

A Billion-Dollar Deal: Rusal Expands its Presence in Africa

Russian aluminum giant Rusal and Ethiopian Investment Holdings, Ethiopia's sovereign wealth fund, signed a memorandum of understanding. The parties agreed to build an aluminum plant with an annual capacity of 500,000 tons.

According to estimates, the project will take three to four years and require significant financial investment. The first phase alone requires $1 billion.

The plant, with an estimated service life of up to 50 years, is expected to become a key supplier of aluminum for Africa's transport, energy, and construction industries.

The facility will be one of the largest on the continent, on par with Hillside in South Africa (720,000 tons) and Mozal in Mozambique (580,000 tons). Importantly, the construction of the plant meets growing demand for aluminum. According to the International Aluminium Institute, global demand will grow by 40% by 2030, requiring an additional 33.3 million tons of metal over the next decade.

Furthermore, the project will strengthen Rusal's position on the continent, where the company already has significant presence. According to the official information, Rusal is developing the Dian-Dian and Kindia bauxite deposits in Guinea and owns 85% of the ALSCON alumina refinery in Nigeria.

#Rusal #Africa #Ethiopia #Guinea #Nigeria #investments

Experts Discussed the Potential of Russian-African Tourism Cooperation

On November 20, a roundtable discussion ennoscriptd "Tourism Development and Sociocultural Cooperation with African Countries" was held in the Russian State Duma. It was organized by the Expert Council on Developing Partnerships with Africa under Deputy State Duma Speaker A.M. Babakov and the Committee on Tourism and Tourism Infrastructure Development.

The discussion participants agreed that the African continent's tourism potential is enormous and not limited to the familiar Maghreb countries.

According to Tatyana Dovgalenko, Director of the Department of Partnership with Africa at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visa-free travel is currently available for Russians with 11 of 54 African countries, but this figure is not final. Russia is negotiating to expand this list. At the same time, the number of new Russian embassies and diplomatic missions on the continent is constantly increasing.

As Yulia Berg, CEO of the International Business Advancement Center (IBAC), noted, tourism development provides a growth stimulus for several industries. This includes logistics, particularly air travel, services, entertainment, security, and overall quality of life.

"Tourism development, in general, is a powerful driver of territorial growth and a factor in improving a country's image internationally. It also shapes the impressions and opinions of tourists and the broader community, thereby fostering humanitarian and business ties," Berg emphasized.

#RussiaAfrica #tourism #StateDuma #tourisminAfrica

Trade between Russia and Africa: Proven Areas and New Growth Points

New data on trade dynamics were presented on the sidelines of the International Conference on African Food Sovereignty in Addis Ababa.

For example, Russia's total agricultural exports to African countries have more than doubled over the past five years, reaching $6.9 billion in 2024.

Last year, Russia supplied Africa with 26 million tons of wheat, 1.3 million tons of barley, 200,000 tons of corn, and 35,000 tons of lentils. Particularly significant growth was seen in oil and fat product shipments, which nearly doubled to $720 million, finished food products by 51%, and livestock products by four times, to 23,000 tons worth $32 million.

According to Agroexport, by 2030, Russian agricultural exports to African countries could exceed $7.5 billion. Also on the agenda is returning fish supplies to pre-sanction levels of almost 200,000 tons annually. Products from the metallurgy, forestry, mechanical engineering, and chemical industries also remain priority export destinations.

The Russian Ministry of Agriculture, meanwhile, cites cooperation in technology, knowledge sharing, plant breeding, and seed production as a new growth area capable of helping Africa ensure its own food security.

The Russian-African partnership is shifting from large-scale food supplies to cooperation involving technology transfer and joint agricultural projects.

#RussiaAfrica #Trade #Economy

Parliamentary Impetus: Agreement with Burundi Creates New Conditions for Russian Exports

Russia and Burundi are strengthening cooperation by signing an interparliamentary agreement. As State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin stated, one of the key priorities is the development of economic ties, as evidenced by a more than 70% increase in trade turnover in 2024.

The growth is driven by stable supplies of Russian agricultural products. By the end of 2023, exports to this East African country exceeded 30,000 tons, including wheat, flour, and peas. This momentum is continuing: in the first two months of 2025 alone, Russian wheat exports totaled approximately 25,000 tons, confirming stable demand and growing trade.

Furthermore, Burundi is an important market for other Russian goods as well. Data for 2023 show that the country's total imports from Russia reached $18.92 million. Key items included fertilizers ($11.15 million) and grains ($7.60 million), as well as chemical products, metals, and equipment, demonstrating supply diversification.

Volodin emphasized that the agreement is intended to create a legal framework for developing business contacts. This is a systemic step, opening a new avenue for Russian business. Successful projects already exist: the TLLINNO joint venture for the production of lighting equipment in Bujumbura and an office selling Burundian tea and coffee in Russia.

The newly created legal framework, supported at a high level, opens up a promising area for Russian companies in East Africa. Burundi is becoming a platform for mutually beneficial partnerships in the agricultural sector, manufacturing, and mineral extraction, strengthening Russia's economic presence on the continent.

#RussiaAfrica #Burundi

Reduce urgently, bypass Europe: Bahrain offers Russia an alternative export corridor

Bahrain's Minister of Industry and Trade, Abdullah bin Adel Fakhru, made a strategic proposal to Russian businesses: use the kingdom as a "reliable platform for localizing production, expanding exports, and accessing international and global markets." For companies focused on Africa, this opens up new logistics and trade opportunities.

Historically, Bahrain is a destination and transit point not only for the Gulf Cooperation Council but also for North Africa. Its ports and logistics centers handle cargo destined for Egypt, Sudan, and the Maghreb. Localizing production in Bahrain allows for reduced delivery times and costs to these regions, in accordance with Russian supply regulations.

Bahrain could become an assembly and distribution hub for Russian agricultural exports, pharmaceuticals, equipment, and building materials. This is especially relevant for perishable products, where speed of delivery is crucial. The Kingdom's participation in SPIEF 2024 has already confirmed mutual interest in creating such supply chains.

Deepening cooperation with the Bahrain region will allow Russia to simultaneously strengthen its presence in both the Middle East and North Africa, bypassing European logistics routes.

#RussiaAfrica #Bahrain #logistics #export

Experts from Eurasia and the Global South Discussed the Creation of a New Intellectual Agenda

On December 18, the Center for Social-Conservative Policy (CSCP) in Moscow hosted an expert session, "International Expert Dialogue as a Space for Self-Organization and Cooperation." Participants included representatives of think tanks, international organizations, and the academic community, as well as experts from countries in Eurasia and the Global South.

Sofya Kozlova, head of the CSCP Communications Department and moderator of the session, set the tone for the discussion, noting that expert dialogue has become a key platform for developing responsible decisions in a multipolar world.

In her speech, CSCP Director General Lyudmila Shuvalova identified expert dialogue as a critical tool in the modern world.

"In the context of increasingly complex global processes, the self-organization of expert communities is becoming a key mechanism for finding solutions to issues of security, development, and the future of a multipolar world," she stated.

Bakhtiyer Ergashev, Director of the Ma'no Research Initiatives Center (Uzbekistan), agreed with this thesis, calling on countries to move away from external concepts.

"The main task of think tanks in the Global South is to stop accepting externally created narratives and act accordingly. We need to start forming our own understanding of history, development, and the future," the expert noted.

In turn, IBAC Director Yulia Berg pointed to the resilience of expert networks even in the face of geopolitical upheaval and diplomatic turbulence.

"Expert communities have proven that even when traditional communication channels are disrupted, they are able to maintain dialogue and ensure knowledge exchange, as well as analytical support for decision-making," Berg stated.

At the same time, Natalia Pomozova, Professor at the Russian State University for the Humanities, highlighted one of the most pressing problem areas.

"The threats posed by artificial intelligence are of a 'threat exists, but the subject does not,' nature, and this requires the consolidation of analytical efforts at the international level," she emphasized, identifying AI ethics as a key topic for future expert dialogue.

Dear partners, colleagues, and friends of IBAC!

Our team congratulates you on the bright holiday of Christmas!

This time symbolizes renewal, faith in the best, and the beginning of new paths. Over the past year, we have seen mutual interest grow, contacts strengthen, and bold joint projects emerge between Russia and various countries.

We wish you and your loved ones peace, warmth, and joy on this holiday. May our common cause — developing partnerships between continents — be filled with even more significant agreements, trust, and mutual benefit in the new year.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Wishing you light, strength, and prosperity!

Sincerely, the International Business Acceleration Center team.

Dear partners, colleagues, and friends!

The International Business Acceleration Center (IBAC) wishes you a Happy New Year!

The outgoing year of 2025 was a busy period for us, combining expertise, dialogue, and practical projects. We thank you for your trust and collaboration.

Key events we participated in this year:

- Organized a roundtable discussion on the transformation of global security with experts from the Global South, discussing the foundation for a stable business environment.
- Held a roundtable discussion at the State Duma, "Information Bridge: Russia-Africa," to develop recommendations for promoting joint projects in the media space.
- Participated in the Russian-African Journalists' Forum at Moscow State University, discussing issues of reliable information and the development of communication channels.
- Joined the large-scale "Russia-Africa" ​​forum and exhibition in the State Duma, clearly demonstrating the results of our partnership over the past five years.
- Analyzed the paradoxes of developing energy projects in Africa at an expert seminar to help investors better understand the market.
- Discussed the strategy for humanitarian policy in Africa, emphasizing the importance of an integrated approach uniting government, business, and society.
- Participated in a discussion on the development of tourism with African countries as a driver for logistics, services, and the business climate.
- Participated in an expert session on the role of international expert dialogue in shaping a new intellectual agenda.
- Concluded more than 15 cooperation agreements with new partners.
- Implemented more than 20 business projects.
- We continue to work on the Strategy for Socioeconomic Cooperation between the Russian Federation and African Countries.

Each of these steps was aimed at creating clear conditions, strengthening trust, and identifying new opportunities for international business.

In the coming year of 2026, the IBAC team will continue to provide in-depth analysis, practical expertise, and support for project implementation at the global level.

We wish you continued success, reliable partnerships, and fruitful cooperation in the new year!

#IBAC

All-in-One Concept

Russian marketplaces are changing their approach to international expansion, creating their own ecosystems there. Yesterday, RWB (Wildberries & Russ United Company) announced the launch of a new concept – the WB Travel service. Next month, they will begin operations in Egypt, with plans to expand to Turkey within the year.

This expands the marketplace's geographic reach to new countries. Previously, the list included Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Uzbekistan, China, Georgia, Tajikistan, and the UAE. Furthermore, in November, it was announced that the company had signed a cooperation agreement with Ethiopian Investment Holdings, Ethiopia's largest investment holding. Meanwhile, the company's management is considering expanding into Oman, China, the Persian Gulf, the CIS, Latin America, and Africa.

Meanwhile, other Russian marketplaces have chosen different paths to international expansion.

For example, giant Ozon is focusing not on creating full-fledged local marketplaces from scratch, but on developing cross-border trade. Its model is to become a key logistics and trading platform between countries. Ozon is actively developing the supply of goods from Turkey and China to Russia and the CIS countries, building partnerships with local sellers and logistics operators.

Currently, leading Russian marketplaces lack a unified approach to international expansion. While one strives to become a global retail ecosystem by copying and expanding its model, another operates as an international trade and logistics platform, focusing on simplifying cross-border trade. The remaining players are either postponing large-scale expansion or are experimenting with it in a targeted manner.

#Russia #business