Russian state corporations are actively promoting infrastructure projects in African countries as an instrument of the Kremlin’s political influence.
This was reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine (GUR).
Russia is trying to increase its influence in Africa
The strategy covers railway construction, nuclear energy and educational programs to create a loyal elite.
Now watching
In particular, Russian Railways is considering the implementation of large-scale projects in Burkina Faso, Ghana and South Africa as part of the concept for developing its foreign presence until 2030.
“Russian influence on Africa through infrastructure projects is a destabilizing factor that, under the guise of development assistance, leads to dependence on Moscow. The Russians are using this approach at the global level,” notes Andrey Yusov, a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate.
According to intelligence data, in May the concept of humanitarian expansion of Russian Railways was approved, which provides for the financing of Russian-language schools, specialized lyceums and the attraction of foreign students through scholarship programs to study in Russia.
A separate area was the creation of a joint university with Russia in South Africa, which will be able to serve students from all over the African continent and develop pro-Russian personnel on a long-term basis.
At the same time, the state corporation Rosatom is promoting projects aimed at forming a technological elite loyal to the Kremlin.
In addition to training personnel for nuclear power plants, the creation of a full-fledged national educational system oriented towards Russian interests is being considered.
In particular, the possibility of opening branches of Russian universities near the nuclear power plant in Egypt near Alexandria is being studied as an element of long-term personnel influence on the region.
Intelligence emphasizes that this strategy pursues the goal not so much of economic development of African countries, but of creating dependence on Russian technologies and forming a loyal political environment for advancing Moscow’s geopolitical interests.
Earlier, the GUR reported that Russia is losing influence in the African region of Sahel, which includes 12 African countries with a population of over 300 million people.
