Amidst Tensions, Russia Announces Grain Supply to African Nations, Raising Concerns Over Stolen Ukrainian Grains.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to provide 50,000 tonnes of grains to several African nations within the next three months as a support measure to enhance food security on the continent.
Read Also Russia Reports Ukrainian Drone Attacks on Moscow and Crimea Amidst Ongoing Southern Offensive
This announcement comes amid a Russian blockade of the Black Sea, which has hindered Ukraine from exporting grains to Africa. The Ukrainian government has accused Russia of stealing thousands of tonnes of grains from Odessa.
Read Also FG Unveils New Public Service Rules for Digital Transformation
Putin made this announcement during the opening of the Second Russia–Africa Summit and Economic and Humanitarian Forum 2023 held in St. Petersburg, Russia. The central theme of this year’s summit is “Technology and Security for Sovereign Development that Benefits People,” with 17 African countries participating.
The Russian President assured that the grain products would be provided freely to consumers, citing Russia’s robust harvest records and its readiness to replace Ukrainian grain exports to Africa on both commercial and humanitarian grounds. He pointed out that Russia holds a significant 20 percent share of the global wheat market and has already exported 10 million tonnes of grain to Africa in the first half of 2023.
The specific African countries set to receive the grain shipments include Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, Somalia, and Eritrea, with each country receiving between 25,000 to 50,000 tonnes of grain over the next three to four months, and the deliveries will be made without charge.
At the summit, Vice President Kashim Shettima expressed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to reviving the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) through engagement with key stakeholders in the industry. During a meeting with the management of Russian Aluminium Company – UC RUSAL, Shettima emphasized the economic benefits of reactivating production lines at ALSCON, including job creation, energy transition, and support for small businesses.
Read Also Keyamo Reacts To President Tinubu’s Ministerial List Amidst Being Snubbed
Putin acknowledged the potential for increased trade and economic cooperation between Russia and African countries, emphasizing Russia’s dedication to food security both in Africa and globally. He announced approximately 30 energy projects involving Russia in Africa, with a total capacity of about 3.7 gigawatts across 16 African countries. Additionally, Putin highlighted Russia’s willingness to provide Africa with non-energy applications of nuclear technology, such as in medicine.
The Russian President revealed plans for a Russian industrial zone near the Suez Canal in Egypt, aimed at exporting products throughout Africa. Russia also intends to develop Africa’s financial infrastructure and connect it to the Russian payment system. Putin emphasized the promotion of relations between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Africa, offering to share the integration experience of the Union State of Russia and Belarus. EAEU is a free trade agreement comprising Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
To further enhance cooperation, Putin suggested establishing intergovernmental commissions with interested African countries. He highlighted the growing number of African students studying in Russia and announced an increase in the quota for African students, which is set to exceed 4,700 individuals by 2024. Furthermore, Russia plans to supply 10 mobile laboratories and provide training for hundreds of specialists as part of a joint program to combat infections, with an allocated budget of 2.1 billion rubles.
Lastly, Russia proposed intensifying cooperation in sports and invited African youth to participate in Russian sporting events. The summit aims to foster closer ties between Russia and Africa, and these measures demonstrate Russia’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with African nations in various sectors.
