Russia stayed away from the colonization of Africa or for that matter any predator’s role in the continent rich with mineral resources. It also did not engage with African states till 1869 when Russia had extended military support to Ethiopia to keep off the British in their effort to gain control over Suez Canal. The relationship indeed picked up during the cold war days since 1947, when the erstwhile Soviet Union developed diplomatic relationship with African states to counterbalance the US hegemony. With the break- up of the Soviet Union, there was a period of hands – off policy of Russia from the continent. That was the time the US and later China developed their close contacts with the continent.
That is changing now. Russia is taking a keen interest in the continent. What does it mean? Africa watchers opine that the US interests in Africa were dictated by balancing the geopolitics interests while its allies, mostly European countries have colonized and had to leverage the political power of the US to sustain their economic interests since the continent was a source of their raw material. China’s Africa policy was mostly dictated by economic interests and till date continued a non –interventionist policy in the political process. Now, political indulgence of China in Africa- if there is any- is compelled to protect its economic interests since that country has a larger investment exposure in the continent.
Russia, of late, upped its economic interests in Africa. It is using companies (read Russain companies) to create interest in energy supply. Russian companies have significant investments in oil and gas industries in Algeria. They are also investing in countries like Libya, Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Egypt. Yet another area that is engaging Russian interest is aviation and aerospace. Recently, it was trying to sell some of the old aircrafts to various states in the region. Sale of armaments is another area that Russian companies are focusing on.
It may not be a cakewalk for Russia in its strategic game to gain economic footprint over Africa since there are various suitors other than China and the US. According to the recent report of the Economist, there is a scramble among various countries to establish diplomatic relationship with Africa, so much so a record number of embassies/high commissions have been set up in various states of Africa. It appears that in recent years, India has leaped to the second position in terms of its investments in Africa, after China. There are also plans underway between Japan and India to come together in their economic engagement with Africa. The rationale is that the capital and technology from Japan can judiciously combine with India’s manpower to gain a competitive advantage in the continent. It sounds well. Yet, how it rolls out on the ground has to be seen. But one thing is certain, the Russian game plan to economically engage the continent will not be a cake walk.
