Russia-Africa: New Opportunities for Cooperation Will Be Presented at the Made in Russia Forum

The pitch session "Russia-Africa. Business at the Crossroads of Opportunities" will be held on October 21 as part of the International Export Forum "Made in Russia," a key event for entrepreneurs seeking to export and find reliable partners abroad. The session will help Russian companies understand the intricacies of working with African businesses and the conditions for successfully entering this promising and rapidly growing market.

Today, Africa is one of the most rapidly developing regions on the planet, with an annual GDP growth rate of around 4%. By 2050, the continent's population is expected to exceed 2.5 billion. For Russian companies, Africa presents a unique opportunity to offer solutions in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, healthcare, IT, and education. However, successful entry into this market requires a deep understanding of local specifics and a willingness to invest in long-term projects.

This year, the African agenda of the forum has received a new practice-oriented sound and will be especially useful for small and medium-sized businesses. Using real-world case studies, session participants will be able to practice business presentation skills in front of African entrepreneurs and experts, receive recommendations on product adaptation and promotion in local markets, and find potential partners in the format of a business contact exchange. The session will be held in a closed format.

"Africa is the market of the future, where demand for solutions in the fields of infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and digitalization will only grow. One of the mistakes that novice exporters make is the cross-cultural misconception about how to properly present their product or service to Africans. As in the Middle East, personal interaction is essential, rather than formalized correspondence. The session will provide valuable insights for businesses on how to promote their products in the African market," he said.

The session will also be moderated by Alexey Baranov, the owner of an exporting company that operates in 83 countries.

The session will be attended by professionals involved in promoting Russian business on the continent, including representatives of business and expert communities, as well as public organizations from Russia and African countries. Among them are Andrey Maslov, Director of the HSE Center for African Studies, Artem Kureev, Editor—in-Chief of the African Initiative News Agency, Lyubov Demidova, Chairman of the Board of the Strategic Agency for the Development of Relations with African Countries, Louis Gowand, founder of the African Club, Chairman of the Russia-Africa Expo Club, Zodwa Slauzi Mogami, founder of the Ladies in the Frontline organization, President Lawrence Awuku Bavoteng of the Russian-Ghanaian Business Council, Miloud Belhamiti, President of the Russian-Algerian Friendship House, Sangare Bourehima, a representative of the business community of Burkina Faso, as well as ambassadors of African countries and Trade Representatives of Russia in Africa.

The Made in Russia International Export Forum brings together thousands of participants from more than 80 countries every year, including representatives of businesses, government agencies, and scientific and business communities. It is the main event of the year for entrepreneurs seeking to scale their businesses, expand their exports, and find reliable partners. In 2024, the forum was attended by approximately six thousand people, and 75 companies showcased their Made in Russia products, demonstrating the high level and diversity of Russian exports.

The Made in Russia International Export Forum will be held on October 21 at the National Center "Russia" in Moscow. Participation is free. Registration for the forum is open until October 13 on the official website: forum.exportcenter.ru.

As a reminder, from September 1 to October 22, the Russian Export Center will organize a large-scale Made in Russia exhibition at the National Center "Russia" in Moscow, showcasing the achievements of Russian exporters. Visitors can attend the exhibition for free by registering on the website russia.ru.

The Forum's general partners are EXAR and ROSEXIMBANK. The business program is supported by the Government of Moscow.

The Russian Export Center (REC, VEB Group) is a state-owned institution that supports non-resource-based non-energy exports. It provides both financial and non-financial assistance to companies from various industries at all stages of entering international markets, including through the International Cooperation and Export National Project. Most of REC's services are available online on the state-owned digital platform "My Export."