Conference in Moscow Region Discusses Technology Exports to Africa

 At the III International Technology Congress, held in the Moscow region at Patriot Expo from September 8 to 10, a session titled "International Dialogue: Trends, Challenges, and Prospects" took place, discussing the current state of Russian technology exports to Africa and their possible expansion. Luis Gowend, invited expert at the event and President of the African Business Club, shared this with African Initiative.

"For me, participating in this discussion was an opportunity to once again outline the position we consistently promote in working with Russian business: Africa is already today one of the most promising destinations for exporting Russian technologies," the expert emphasized.

In his view, a key element in cooperation with Africa is abandoning the perception of the continent as a "market of the future," since digital technologies are already actively developing in the region, and the continent's countries are already investing in accelerating technological development. At the same time, Gowend noted, Africa cannot be viewed as a single space, since each country has its own priorities, regulatory mechanisms, and demand characteristics, meaning Russian businesses need a deep understanding of a specific market to enter it.

Among the leading promising areas for Russian business partnership with Africa, the expert named digitalization of public administration, smart cities, cybersecurity, digitalization of agriculture, logistics, business automation, and other areas. He also reminded that some niches in Africa are already occupied by local entrepreneurs, calling on businesses to seek areas where Russian technological expertise would be more in demand.

"In my view, one of the main conclusions of today's discussion is the need to change the very model of entering the African market. African partners are not satisfied with just receiving a product and a license. They are interested in localization, specialist training, technical support, transfer of competencies, and the creation of long-term partnerships," the expert emphasized.

On the sidelines of the Congress, Gowend also held a number of meetings dedicated to the prospects for technological partnership between Russia and Africa. In particular, during negotiations with RUSSOFT President Valentin Makarov, the head of the African Business Club discussed the possibility of holding a joint session at the international forum "Russia — Africa Expo 2027" to support practical interaction between Russian and African entrepreneurs.

Meetings were also held on the sidelines of the event with Alexander Bayev, Deputy General Director of GLAZAR, and Anton Korniliev, Director of the International Sales Department at IVA Technologies.

"African countries need technologies that take into account their real conditions and challenges. Russian companies need reliable partners who will help them understand the market and build a long-term presence. The African Business Club is ready to serve as such a link — connecting Russian technological competencies with the specific demand of African countries and helping translate interest in Africa into real business projects," Gowend added.

In November of last year, Professor Konstantin Pantserev, Chief Researcher at the Faculty of International Relations at St. Petersburg State University, told African Initiative about the most in-demand solutions from Russian IT companies on the African continent.