RIAC Holds Expert Seminar on International Development Assistance to Africa
Short version
On October 21, 2025, the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) hosted an expert seminar on “The Modern Architecture of International Development Assistance to Africa: Current Trends and Outlook.”
The event opened with remarks from Kirill Bogomolov, Deputy Head of Rossotrudnichestvo, who noted that the Russian government is currently drafting a federal law on international development assistance. The initiative, coordinated by the Ministry of Finance with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Rossotrudnichestvo, aims to strengthen Russia’s engagement in global development and expand international partnerships.
Full version
On October 21, 2025, the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) hosted an expert seminar on “The Modern Architecture of International Development Assistance to Africa: Current Trends and Outlook.”
The event opened with remarks from Kirill Bogomolov, Deputy Head of Rossotrudnichestvo, who noted that the Russian government is currently drafting a federal law on international development assistance. The initiative, coordinated by the Ministry of Finance with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Rossotrudnichestvo, aims to strengthen Russia’s engagement in global development and expand international partnerships.
Mr. Bogomolov emphasized that the proposed legislation aligns with global shifts in development cooperation, reflecting a transition from traditional cooperation models toward investment and partnership-based approaches.
The seminar focused on two main themes concerning African countries, which remain the largest recipients of official development assistance. The first session examined the positions of Africa’s traditional development partners, while the second discussed alternative sources of financing amid declining Western aid.
Participants from Russia and Africa agreed that by the end of 2025, overall levels of development assistance are expected to fall significantly. The discussion also addressed the implications of reduced Western (particularly U.S. and EU) aid to African countries in light of global geopolitical changes and ongoing conflicts. At the same time, participants expressed optimism about the future of South–South cooperation.
The event brought together Russian experts from research and educational institutions, universities, and the Russian Academy of Sciences, alongside representatives of universities, academic institutes, and non-governmental organizations from Ethiopia, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Lesotho.