The trade turnover between Russia and African countries increased by 22.6% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period last year, Anton Tsetsinovsky, the director for International Cooperation and Development of the Russian Export Center, a state-owned development institute, said on the sidelines of the first Russia-Africa ministerial conference in Russia's Sirius Federal Territory.
He added that the annual trade turnover between Russia and Africa exceeds $20 billion. According to Tsetsinovsky, this confirms the interest of Russian companies in strengthening cooperation with the parties of the African continent. However, he admitted that there are certain obstacles on the way to the full disclosure of trade potential.
"One of the main problems is the lack of knowledge about the specifics of working in the African continent. Many companies, guided by incorrect stereotypes, face financial and other losses, which gives rise to a negative attitude towards cooperation with African partners in general," Tsetsinovsky said.