Recent investments in Africa’s oil, gas, and nuclear industries underscore Russia’s efforts to diversify its global energy portfolio and capitalise on the continent’s growing energy demands, says the AEC.

What: Russia’s major energy firms are expanding their presence in Africa.

Why: Russian–African cooperation in the energy sector has significant potential, says the African Energy Chamber (AEC).

What next: Russia’s future energy plans in Africa will likely focus on building strong partnerships, improving energy security, and supporting the continent’s shift to cleaner energy.

Russia has been intensifying its efforts to strengthen energy partnerships with African countries, indicating a broader strategy to enhance its geopolitical influence across the continent, according to the African Energy Chamber (AEC).

During its recent visit to Moscow, the AEC’s delegation met with Russian energy leaders and participated in a seminar at Russia’s HSE University, organised by the HSE Centre for African Studies with the support of the Rosscongress Foundation.

The visit highlighted the increasing importance of energy cooperation between Africa and Russia, the AEC said in a statement on April 2. At the seminar, AEC’s executive chairman NJ Ayuk, delivered a keynote presentation on the African continent’s energy prospects and challenges.

“What Africa really needs is empowerment. It’s not the assistance, but the right to shape its future development. This affects, among other things, the energy sector,” he said, adding that Russian–African cooperation in the energy sector had significant potential.

In his presentation, Ayuk showcased major achievements in Africa’s energy sector and discussed potential areas for Russian participation in developing regional energy markets, offering useful insights into the continent’s energy future.

Expanding presence

Russia’s major energy firms are quickly expanding their presence in Africa, the chamber says. In September 2024, Russia’s multinational energy corporation Lukoil signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons to boost cooperation in oil exploration and production. The agreement supports Russia’s global energy strategy and deepens ties with resource-rich African countries.

At the same time, Russia’s state-owned gas giant Gazprom has increased its operations in Tanzania by securing a deal to explore and produce natural gas, focusing on compressed natural gas (CNG) to meet the country’s growing energy needs. These developments strengthen Russia’s role in Africa’s energy sector and align with Africa’s goals of achieving energy security and diversification.

Nuclear sector development

Russian nuclear energy company Rosatom is also expanding its footprint in Africa’s energy sector. Rwanda is in talks with Rosatom to set up a nuclear science and technology centre, with the potential to construct a nuclear power plant. This initiative would include local skills development, specialised training, and technology transfer, the AEC said.

Rosatom’s efforts form part of Russia’s wider strategy to offer advanced nuclear solutions and help African nations diversify their energy mix. The company has also signed an MoU with Guinea-Conakry to develop floating nuclear power plants. Furthermore, Rosatom agreed to three cooperation deals with Mali to explore the construction of a low-power nuclear facility, and entered into a nuclear partnership with the Republic of Congo.

In Egypt, Rosatom is heavily involved in the country’s nuclear energy development through the construction of the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). Rosatom is handling the design, construction, and maintenance of the plant, as well as fuel supply, with Russia financing the majority of the project through a $25bn loan, to be repaid by Egypt over several decades.

“Nuclear power is becoming an attractive option for many African nations looking to meet growing energy demands while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Rosatom’s involvement positions Russia as a key partner in Africa’s energy transition, aligning with G20 discussions on sustainable and diversified energy sources,” the AEC said.

Future energy engagement

According to the chamber, Russia’s investments into African oil, gas and nuclear industries demonstrate its commitment to spearheading energy developments on the continent and reflect its strategy to secure long-term partnerships with resource-rich countries.

“For Russia, Africa represents a vital frontier in the global energy market, and its rising energy demands and need for infrastructure development have created opportunities for Russian companies to provide both traditional and alternative energy solutions,” the AEC said. “These investments align with Russia’s efforts to secure long-term access to vital resources in a shifting global energy landscape, while competing with established players like the US and China on the continent.”

Russia’s future energy plans in Africa will likely focus on building strong partnerships, improving energy security, and supporting the continent’s shift to cleaner energy, says the chamber. With the G20 pushing for global sustainability and energy diversification, Russia wants to be seen as a trusted partner in both traditional energy and new technologies like nuclear power. Its growing role in Africa’s energy sector shows its ambition to become a key player.

However, success will depend on how well Russia handles global competition and political challenges. According to the AEC, the next few years will be important in showing whether Russia can secure a long-term role in Africa’s energy future.

The African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies, organised by the AEC, is scheduled to take place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town, South Africa. The annual event will serve as an effective platform to advance discussions on Africa’s energy future and attract global investments in the sector.

As previously announced by the AEC, the conference will cover strategic topics of Africa’s upstream oil and gas industry, downstream infrastructure projects, the energy transition and power generation sector developments.

“As the continent seeks to diversify its energy mix, AEW offers a valuable opportunity for Russian companies and investors to deepen their engagement on the continent, forge new partnerships and explore emerging opportunities in Africa’s evolving energy landscape.”