Inga Koryagina: “I Fell in Love with Africa Thanks to Zambia” – Reflections Ahead of World Public Assembly

Moscow / Lusaka – September 2025

Inga Koryagina, Director of International Development at the Russian-African Club of Moscow State University and Director of International Development for the World Public Summit, said she “fell in love with Africa” after attending a conference in Zambia. Her remark reflects growing ties between Russia and African countries, especially as the global community prepares for upcoming summits and scientific forums. New Eastern Outlook

Koryagina recently spoke in an interview with New Eastern Outlook, discussing her role overseeing media coverage for the First World Public Assembly in Moscow scheduled for 20–21 September. She emphasized how the Summit will unite continents in dialogue on issues from children’s art and peace diplomacy to business cooperation, with special focus on outreach in Africa. New Eastern Outlook

During the interview, she reflected on her visit to Zambia in December 2024 for the International Multi-Disciplinary Conference (IMDC2024) in Lusaka, saying it was her first experience “deep in the continent” south of the Arab-North Africa region. There she encountered warmth, respect, and hospitality, especially in Zambia. Her stay left a deep impression, calling it her “baptism into Africa.” New Eastern Outlook

Koryagina also noted concrete steps in education and cooperation: this year, Russian quotas for African students were increased more than two-fold. She said Russia is seen in Africa not just as a provider of factories or infrastructure, but for its technologies that are “user-friendly,” efforts in capacity building, and willingness to share expertise. New Eastern Outlook

She underlined that media and information are central to the relationship: closing information gaps, ensuring young Africans see everyday life in Russia, not just diplomatic images. New Eastern Outlook

Koryagina said that Russia’s cooperation with African countries is moving from symbolic gestures to tangible programs, including student quotas, educational media, cross-continent forums, and deeper people-to-people connections rooted in respect for culture and tradition. New Eastern Outlook