New York, October 2, 2026: Russia has stepped up diplomatic engagement with African countries during the 81st United Nations General Assembly, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov holding a series of meetings focused on political coordination, trade, investment, security and broader international cooperation.

Lavrov met representatives from several African countries during the high-level UNGA week, including Egypt, Ethiopia, South Africa, Nigeria, Uganda and Mali. Discussions covered bilateral relations as well as regional and international developments.

A major focus of the Russian diplomatic effort has been strengthening ties with African members and partner states of BRICS. Russia has promoted greater cooperation with countries seeking expanded representation for developing nations in international institutions.

Lavrov also held discussions with the foreign ministers of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, the three members of the Alliance of Sahel States. The talks included political, economic, financial, transport and information cooperation. The ministers also discussed preparations for the third Russia–Africa Summit, scheduled to take place in Moscow on October 28–29.

Security issues in the Sahel were another important part of the discussions. Russia has sought to deepen its relations with the governments of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger as those countries reshape their regional and international partnerships.

Economic cooperation was also discussed during Russia’s meetings with African representatives. Moscow has highlighted infrastructure, energy, investment and trade as areas where it wants to expand long-term cooperation with African states.

Egypt remains another important partner in Russia’s Africa strategy. Russian and Egyptian officials discussed bilateral economic projects, political coordination and cooperation at international organisations. Russia is also involved in a major nuclear-energy project in Egypt, adding an important economic dimension to the relationship.

The UN General Assembly also provided an opportunity for Russia to promote its position on reform of the United Nations Security Council. Lavrov argued that any expansion of permanent membership should provide greater representation to Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Russia has specifically expressed support for India and Brazil obtaining permanent seats on the Security Council, while arguing against adding further Western countries to the permanent membership.

African governments have long sought greater representation in the UN Security Council. The issue remains part of wider negotiations over reform of the global organisation, although no agreement has yet been reached on changing the Council’s permanent membership.

The upcoming Russia–Africa Summit is expected to provide another platform for Moscow and African governments to discuss economic partnerships, political coordination and security cooperation. Leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger are expected to attend the Moscow meeting, according to Russia’s deputy foreign minister.

Russia’s latest diplomatic activity demonstrates the importance Moscow places on relations with African countries as it seeks to expand cooperation beyond traditional European and Western partners.

The extent to which these diplomatic discussions translate into new agreements will become clearer during the Russia–Africa Summit later this month.