Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised record trade with Egypt as Moscow seeks to use its economic ties with Cairo to expand its influence across Africa, with a focus on manufacturing, infrastructure and energy.
Meeting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on the sidelines of the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow on Wednesday, Putin said bilateral trade exceeded $10 billion in 2025 for the first time and grew by a further 14 per cent in the first eight months of 2026, according to Anadolu Agency.
The ambitions stretch far beyond Egypt. Putin said Russia's total trade with Africa had risen by 50 per cent since 2022 to more than $27 billion, as Moscow seeks to move beyond commodity exports and expand into manufacturing, infrastructure and energy projects across the continent.
According to Egypt's State Information Service, grain remains a major Russian export to Egypt, alongside vegetable oils, fuel, iron and steel.
Russia supplied Egypt with 8.3 million tonnes of wheat during the 2024/25 marketing year, making it the country's largest supplier, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
But Moscow wants to build on that trading relationship.
During Wednesday's talks, Sisi and Putin reviewed plans to establish a Russian Industrial Zone within Egypt's Suez Canal Economic Zone, according to the Egyptian Presidency.
The project aims to attract Russian manufacturers to Egypt, boost local production and strengthen commercial links with African markets.
For Moscow, the zone could provide a gateway to African markets, allowing Russian companies to manufacture goods closer to customers across the continent rather than relying solely on exports.
Russia's economic ties with Egypt also extend to one of the country's largest energy projects.
Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom is building the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant on Egypt's Mediterranean coast, comprising four reactors with a combined generating capacity of 4,800 megawatts.
Speaking during Wednesday's meeting, Putin said construction was on schedule, while Sisi described the plant as the most significant project in bilateral cooperation and called for continued support to meet agreed deadlines, according to Anadolu Agency.
Egypt is already exploring further nuclear cooperation.
During the meeting, Sisi raised the possibility of additional power units beyond 2030, a research reactor, testing facilities and cooperation on smaller nuclear technologies.
The proposals come as Rosatom seeks to expand its presence across Africa.
According to Reuters, the company is in advanced discussions with Egypt, Togo, Namibia and Tanzania over potential floating nuclear power plants.
These facilities would use compact nuclear reactors aboard towable vessels, requiring less onshore infrastructure than conventional nuclear plants, according to Reuters.
Although no firm commitments have been announced, the talks highlight Russia's efforts to take its nuclear technology into new African markets.
Moscow's wider ambitions were on display at the summit, which brought together delegations from 48 African countries, including 22 leaders, according to Reuters.
Addressing participants, Putin offered greater cooperation on grain and fertiliser supplies, transport infrastructure, agriculture and technology.
He also pledged to support local manufacturing and called for stronger African representation in the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.
Moscow is positioning its proposals as an alternative to Western-led economic partnerships. Putin accused Western countries of exploiting African resources and imposing unfavourable financial terms, without naming specific governments.
The push is also geopolitical. Reuters reports that Moscow is seeking to strengthen its influence across Africa amid Western pressure over its war in Ukraine.
Western governments have accused Russian paramilitary forces of supporting military-led governments in parts of Africa to bolster Moscow's influence. Russia denies those accusations.
Beyond Egypt, talks with Ethiopia and Togo highlighted Moscow's efforts to turn its African ambitions into concrete projects.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called for a formal agreement on nuclear cooperation with Russia, including financing arrangements and training for Ethiopian engineers and regulators, according to a Kremlin statement cited by Anadolu Agency.
He also sought greater access for Ethiopian exports to the Russian market.
Meanwhile, Russia's Rosatom signed a memorandum of understanding with Togolese authorities on Wednesday to explore cooperation on civilian nuclear technology.
The agreement covers the assessment of potential energy projects and the development of technical expertise. However, it does not commit either side to building a nuclear plant.
The summit is expected to conclude with a Russia–Africa Partnership Forum action plan for 2027–2029, outlining Russia's priorities for expanding trade, energy and infrastructure cooperation across the continent.
Uzbekistan is launching a new fashion academy in Tashkent to help local clothing manufacturers build their own brands, sharpen design skills and co...
Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised record trade with Egypt as Moscow seeks to use its economic ties with Cairo to expand its influence ac...
Rescuers searched desperately through wrecked carriages on Thursday in the hope of finding more survivors of Spain...
Despite losing his bloc's majority in Israel's 120-seat Knesset in a hotly contested election, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has managed to remain in the lead after 70 per cent of votes were tallied on Wednesday. Figures are subject to change as counting continues.
Russia and Ukraine have begun a regional ceasefire to allow the start of a humanitarian effort in the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky, both sides said on Tuesday, but they continue strikes elsewhere, including the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.
The Middle East conflict remains tense as diplomatic efforts continue alongside renewed Houthi attacks. Iran says it remains open to mediation, while the Saudi-led coalition says it intercepted a ballistic missile fired towards the kingdom.
At least 68 people have been killed after two high-speed trains collided in Spain on Wednesday, in the second deadly rail disaster in less than a year on a major route linking Madrid with the southern Andalusia region.
Rescuers searched desperately through wrecked carriages on Thursday in the hope of finding more survivors of Spain's second deadly high-speed train crash this year, which has so far claimed 68 lives.
Kazakhstan could begin building its first nuclear power plant in 2027, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said on 28 October, according to Azertac. But as Central Asia steps up its energy ambitions, which countries are investing in nuclear power and which are pursuing alternatives?
Apple's latest iPhone 18 Pro series has outperformed its predecessor in early global sales, even as rising manufacturing costs and weaker demand in some markets put pressure on the smartphone industry, according to Counterpoint Research data released on Tuesday (27 October).
Uzbekistan is moving into a new phase in the development of Islamic finance, with the country’s first Islamic banking licence issued shortly before a regional forum in Samarkand brought together industry players to discuss how the sector can expand across Central Asia.
The European Union is pushing to deepen trade ties with Asia as rising global trade barriers threaten international commerce, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said during a visit to Singapore on Tuesday (27 October).
As Israelis head to the polls on Tuesday, 27 October, the Israeli economy faces a paradox; soaring stocks and a stronger currency alongside rising public debt and billions of dollars in war costs. What do the figures reveal about the challenges awaiting the next government?
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment