The Russian government is looking to deepen ties with West Africa through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), as part of its 2023–2026 Russia-Africa Partnership Action Plan.
Tatiana Dovgalenko, Director of the African Partnership Department at Russia’s Foreign Ministry, said Moscow is pursuing a qualitative shift in relations with Africa after years of post-Soviet disengagement, focusing on structured partnerships with regional organizations like ECOWAS, EAC, IGAD, COMESA, SADC, and ECCAS to boost political and economic collaboration.
Russia’s renewed interest in ECOWAS comes amid tensions between the bloc and Sahel countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which have recently exited ECOWAS while strengthening ties with Moscow.
Dovgalenko noted that Russia played a key role in helping the African Union secure permanent membership in the G20 in 2023, reinforcing Africa’s global influence.
She also highlighted Nigeria’s entry into the BRICS framework as a sign of Africa’s pivot towards multipolar cooperation.
Russia, she added, remains committed to supporting African sovereignty and development through strategic projects and infrastructure investments aimed at promoting a more balanced global order.
