https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250218/science-diplomacy-in-action-whats-driving-africa-russia-cooperation---1070711342.html
Science Diplomacy in Action: What's Driving Africa-Russia Cooperation?
Science Diplomacy in Action: What's Driving Africa-Russia Cooperation?
Sputnik Africa
Science is becoming a powerful tool for diplomacy, shaping partnerships beyond politics. In Africa-Russia relations, collaboration in space, food security and... 18.02.2025, Sputnik Africa
2025-02-18T17:12+0100
2025-02-18T17:12+0100
2025-02-19T08:44+0100
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Science Diplomacy in Action: What’s Driving Africa-Russia Cooperation?
Sputnik Africa
Science is becoming a powerful tool for diplomacy, shaping partnerships beyond politics. In Africa-Russia relations, collaboration in space, food security, and healthcare is strengthening ties. With Africa pushing for scientific growth and Russia focusing on technological self-reliance, science diplomacy offers new opportunities for mutual progress.
Russia's role in Africa's scientific development has historical roots. Unlike many Western nations, Russia does not carry a colonial past on the continent, which has shaped its diplomatic approach. Over the years, it has invested in African education, particularly through university programs that began in Soviet times. This focus on capacity-building continues today, reinforcing science diplomacy as a long-term strategy, according to Dr. Olga Krasnyak, Associate Professor at the National Research University Higher School of Economics in Moscow.While Russia remains a key partner, Krasnyak acknowledges that Africa is diversifying its collaborations, with China and Western countries also maintaining presence. However, she stresses the importance of identifying specific areas for practical cooperation beyond high-level summits.One such area is space technology, an increasingly strategic field for Africa. The African Space Agency, headquartered in Cairo, Russia, with its long-standing expertise in space technology, has already outlined avenues for cooperation, particularly in satellite technology.To listen to the whole discussion, tune in to the Global South Pole podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on Telegram.► You can also listen to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Deezer, Castbox, Pocket Casts, Afripods, Podcast Addict, and Overcast.► Check out all the episodes of Global South Pole.
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Science Diplomacy in Action: What's Driving Africa-Russia Cooperation?
17:12 18.02.2025 (Updated: 08:44 19.02.2025) Science is becoming a powerful tool for diplomacy, shaping partnerships beyond politics. In Africa-Russia relations, collaboration in space, food security and healthcare is strengthening ties. With Africa pushing for scientific growth and Russia focusing on technological self-reliance, science diplomacy offers new opportunities for mutual progress.
Russia's role in Africa's scientific development has historical roots. Unlike many Western nations, Russia does not carry a colonial past on the continent, which has shaped its diplomatic approach. Over the years, it has invested in African education, particularly through university programs that began in Soviet times. This focus on capacity-building continues today, reinforcing science diplomacy as a long-term strategy, according to Dr. Olga Krasnyak, Associate Professor at the National Research University Higher School of Economics in Moscow.
“Russia is a very specific, very reliable partner because, first of all, we have no colonial history. Since the Cold War, Russia—then the Soviet Union—had a positive influence, particularly in education. Many African students studied in Soviet universities, not just in Moscow but across the former Soviet Union. Investing in education is a long-term approach, and this cooperation itself can be seen as part of science diplomacy,” Dr. Krasnyak explains.
While Russia remains a key partner, Krasnyak acknowledges that Africa is diversifying its collaborations, with China and Western countries also maintaining presence. However, she stresses the importance of identifying specific areas for practical cooperation beyond high-level summits.
One such area is space technology, an increasingly strategic field for Africa. The African Space Agency, headquartered in Cairo, Russia, with its long-standing expertise in space technology, has already outlined avenues for cooperation, particularly in satellite technology.
“Space cooperation may seem unexpected at first, but it makes perfect sense. Satellites are not just about launching people into space; they’re about monitoring climate change, tracking natural disasters, and enhancing communication networks. This is a concrete result of the Russia-Africa summits—not just wishful thinking, but real action,” the academician emphasizes.
To listen to the whole discussion, tune in to the Global South Pole podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.
In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on
Telegram.► Check out all the episodes of Global South Pole. 
