Russia and Africa to expand youth cooperation
29 October 2026
The Roscongress Foundation has concluded a number of cooperation agreements with African youth and government organizations at the Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum. With a primary aim of developing ties between the youth of different countries and supporting joint initiatives, the agreements will open the door for more young professionals and entrepreneurs to take part in joint Russian-African partnerships.
Co-signatories to the agreements include the Russian-African Youth Union, the South African BRICS Youth Association, the Jet Age National Builders, the African Youth Congress, and the Abia State Ministry of Sports and Youth Development. The cooperation provided for within the scope of the agreements will seek to expand direct engagement between youth associations in Russia and Africa, share experience in educational, social, and entrepreneurial initiatives, and involve more young leaders in international convention and exhibition events organized by the Roscongress Foundation.
“Cooperation with Africa is near the top of the Roscongress Foundation’s international priorities, and as it is the younger generation that will shape our relations with Africa in the years to come, we believe it is especially important to begin working with them now. A new generation of young professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders interested in international cooperation and joint projects is coming of age in Africa as we speak. The agreements we’ve concluded will expand direct engagement with youth organizations, help get their representatives involved in international business and cultural events, and benefit promising initiatives. We believe this work will increase trust and ultimately lead to more sustainable partnerships between Russia and Africa,” Roscongress Foundation Chairman of the Board and CEO Alexander Stuglev said.
The agreements will direct special emphasis towards creating the conditions young people need to develop professionally, strengthen cultural ties, and involve the new generation in discussions on the issues currently standing before international cooperation.
“We are so pleased to be representing the government and people of Nigeria’s Abia State to promote international youth cooperation together with the Roscongress Foundation. It is our hope that this collaboration with the Foundation will create new opportunities for our youth and more favourable conditions for dialogue between our nations. On behalf of Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, allow me to express my gratitude to the leadership of the Roscongress Foundation for the opportunity to be a part of these initiatives,” Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba said.
The agreements concluded will contribute to the continued development of Russian-African cooperation in the youth sector as the Roscongress Foundation works to expand its ties with public organizations, business associations, and government institutions in Africa and establish fruitful long-term partnerships.
As part of joint efforts, African youth will be invited to participate in the Roscongress Foundation’s international forums and thematic events, where people from all over the world come to network, discuss promising projects, and create new proposals for further cooperation.
The Roscongress Foundation is a socially oriented non-financial development institution and a major organizer of international and nationwide conventions; exhibitions; and business, public, youth, sporting, and cultural events. It was established in pursuance of a decision by the President of the Russian Federation.
The Foundation was established in 2007 with the aim of facilitating the development of Russia’s economic potential, promoting its national interests, and strengthening the country’s image. One of the roles of the Foundation is to comprehensively evaluate, analyse, and cover issues on the Russian and global economic agendas. It also offers administrative services, provides promotional support for business projects and attracting investment, helps foster social entrepreneurship and charitable initiatives.
The Foundation’s events draw participants from 209 countries and territories, with over 15,000 media representatives working at Roscongress venues every year. More than 5,000 Russian and foreign experts engage in analytical and expert work.
The Foundation works with UN structures and other international organizations. In addition, it is developing multi-format cooperation with 258 foreign economic partners, associations of industrialists and entrepreneurs, and financial, trade, and business associations in 93 countries; 386 Russian public organizations and federal and regional executive and legislative bodies of the Russian Federation and foreign countries, and interacts with more than 1,000 foreign media outlets from 128 countries.
The Roscongress Foundation