Russian-African Energy Sector Cooperation Continues Despite Western Sanctions

From October 12 to 14, Moscow hosts Russian Energy Week, which brings together authorities, businessmen and experts from all over the world to discuss key challenges faced by the energy sector. Sputnik is an information partner of the event.

"Rosgeo", a Russian state holding company which owns the geological exploration enterprises of the Russian Federation, is negotiating several oil and solid minerals contracts with African countries, in particular with Sudan and Algeria, the head of the company Sergey Gorkov told Sputnik on the sidelines of the forum.

“Despite the situation, we have not reduced the scope of work with African countries. We are interacting with a number of them, discussing several new contracts for both oil and solid minerals. Potentially, these are contracts that provide an increase in trade volumes with Sudan and Algeria, which we consider a very positive step. We will also continue working on the agreements that we are implementing now," Gorkov told the agency.

The head of Rosgeo pointed out that in the case of Algeria, the creation of mineral maps is under discussion, and as for Sudan, not only mapping, but also more regional geological explorations are underway.

Last year, the company signed a contract for gold prospecting and the creation of a geological map with Sudan. It also signed contracts with the Central African Republic and Angola.

This April, Gorkov noted that Rosgeo has no intention to downsize its activities in foreign markets despite the political situation and sanctions against Russia, and that he personally sees good prospects for collaboration with Asia and Africa.

In late February, Russia launched its military operation in Ukraine in response to the Donbass republics asking for protection from Ukrainian attacks. Following that, Western countries issued sanctions against Russia and a slew of Western companies left the Russian market. Energy companies were among the exodus, and halted cooperation with Russian state-controlled energy giants, such as Rosneft and Gazprom, terminating contracts or leaving the market entirely. However, the sanctions only led to higher fuel prices, causing the cost of living in Western countries to soar, while Russia has moved to cooperate with other nations.

Energy Cooperation to Be Among Key Topics at the 2023 “Russia-Africa” Summit

Cooperation between Russia and Africa in the energy sector will be one of the key issues at the “Russia-Africa” summit in 2023, Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian foreign ministry Oleg Ozerov told Sputnik on the sidelines of the same event.

"Of course, African countries are interested in cooperation with the Russian Federation in the energy sector. In the field of mining and processing, Russia has good competencies, good opportunities, produces its own equipment and is able to train the needed staff," Ozerov said.

The diplomat noted that Russia is capable of building oil refineries - small, medium and large. However, there is a need for discussion before Russia can start the development of refining capacities in African countries, as well as the need for favorable conditions for Russian investments.

"The topic of energy cooperation will be one of the priorities at the upcoming Russia-Africa summit," Ozerov stressed.

The second “Russia-Africa” summit is scheduled for the summer of 2023. The first “Russia-Africa” summit was held in 2019 in Sochi with the participation of the heads of most African states.