What's next for Russia in Africa?

In recent years, Russia has emerged as a prominent external actor on the continent, forging deeper ties in North Africa, extending its reach in the Central African Republic and the Sahel through the infamous Wagner group, and reigniting Cold War connections in southern Africa. However, the shadow of Russia's invasion of Ukraine looms over Putin's attempts to strengthen diplomatic relationships with African leaders, leading to diverse responses from African states. There are two meetings to watch; last month’s Russia-Africa summit, and the upcoming BRICs Summit! Join us as we delve into the potential impact of these summits not only on Africa but also in an increasingly multipolar world.
Our panel of experts in this episode includes:
- Angela Muvumba Sellström, senior researcher at the Nordic Africa Institute
- Patience Mususa, senior researcher at the Nordic Africa Institute
- Henning Melber, NAI Associate

The Nordic Africa Podcast is a series of discussions where we talk to political scientists, anthropologists, economists and other researchers about current issues and trends in Africa. We analyse the choices of African leaders, we challenge dominant narratives about the continent, and occasionally, we look into the crystal ball to see where Africa is headed. Hosts Heba Habib and Henrik Alfredsson and guesting experts guide us toward a deepened understanding of Africa’s role on the global scene.
Episodes from the Nordic Africa Podcast
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Part 1: Harris or Trump 2.0 – why it matters for Africa
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