Africa-russia Innovation Dialogue Highlights Strategic Sectors For Technological Growth

The Sputnik News Agency and Radio, as part of activities to commemorate Africa Day, hosted an international roundtable focused on enhancing Russia-Africa collaboration in innovation and high technology.

The event, titled “Innovations for Society: Russian-African Dialogue for Africa Day,” brought together key experts and policymakers from Russia and several African nations, including Zambia, Kenya, Mali, and Namibia.

Discussions centered on innovation-driven development and the strategic sectors that can shape future cooperation between Russia and the African continent.

Speaking during the dialogue, Director of the Graduate School of Business at the University of Zambia and former President of the Economics Association of Zambia, Dr. Lubinda Haabazoka, highlighted four critical sectors for innovation—energy, mineral extraction, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Haabazoka emphasizes the urgent need for collaboration with Russia in these areas, noting that “the time has come for Africa and Russia to exchange innovations, particularly in the energy sector.”

And Namibia’s Executive Director of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology,Audrin Mathe stresses the importance of technological sovereignty for African countries.

Mr. Mathe also highlights the necessity of establishing data centers within African countries and bolstering cybersecurity to ensure digital independence.

Meanwhile, Deputy Director for Strategic Partnerships at Russian innovation hub Innopraktika, Alexey Efimov states that Russia stands ready to share its expertise in digitalization and e-governance.

He referenced an ongoing e-Governance Knowledge Sharing Program tailored for African officials and supported by the HSE Center for African Studies.

While Mali’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Bouréma Kansaye, echoed the strategic nature of cooperation with Russia in education and technology.

Mr. Kansaye also referenced the Malian Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics and highlighted the role of cybersecurity in any digital advancement.

He expressed optimism that partnerships with initiatives such as the Russian-African Network University (RAFU) would aid in technology transfer.

Ands RAFU Head of Project Office ,Maksim Zalyvsky, reveals that work is underway on a proposal to reform Mali’s higher education sector, including the creation of a world-class university in Bandiagara.

He reiterated the growing demand across Africa for Russian expertise in education.

Moderated by Anastasia Alyamovskaya, Project Head at Sputnik’s International Cooperation Directorate, the session concluded by acknowledging Africa’s evolving role in global affairs and the central role of technology and innovation in its strategic partnerships especially with Russia.

Africa Day, celebrated on May 25, honors the founding of the Organization of African Unity and marks the continent’s progress toward unity and independence.

(Photographer: Anastasia Petrova, Sputnik)