Ambassador Yongawo Encourages Russian Businesses to Deepen Engagement with African Embassies as a Gateway to the Continent.
Korovy Val, Moscow, 10 September 2026 — His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo has encouraged Russian businesses to deepen their engagement with African Embassies, describing diplomatic missions as an important gateway for investors seeking to explore opportunities across the continent.
Speaking during a panel discussion on the expert analytical publication “Africa 2027: Prospects and Challenges,” Ambassador Yongawo urged potential investors to engage the Embassy of the relevant African country before traveling, noting that such consultations can help businesses better understand the investment environment, identify credible opportunities, and establish appropriate contacts with government authorities and local partners.
Ambassador Yongawo began his remarks by commending the adoption of the UN resolution on “an equal Earth” and the reshaping of the world map. He underlined Russia’s longstanding bilateral relations with African countries and commended those states that voted in support of the resolution.
He recalled the 2019 Russia–Africa Summit in Sochi and the 2023 Russia–Africa Summit in St Petersburg, which brought together African Heads of State, policymakers, and members of the business community, including bankers, academics, and professionals, with their Russian counterparts. He noted that similar high-level interactions are expected during the Third Russia–Africa Summit, scheduled to take place in Moscow in October 2026.
Ambassador Yongawo reminded the audience that Africa is not one country, but a continent of 54 countries, each with its own culture, geography, political and economic environment, and sovereignty.
“Although we consider ourselves brothers and sisters, an unsuccessful business venture in one country should not be considered an impossibility in all of the continent, as is often the case,” he said.
He also highlighted Africa’s rapidly growing, predominantly young population as an important factor in the continent’s future economic development.
He cautioned that investors who travel to Africa without adequate prior engagement with the relevant Embassy or government authorities can encounter avoidable challenges.
“There have been instances where investors encountered difficulties because there was no prior engagement with the Embassy or relevant government authorities, only to turn to the Embassy and Government later for assistance in resolving those challenges,” he noted.
Ambassador Yongawo therefore encouraged Russian companies to make African diplomatic missions an integral part of their initial engagement strategy when considering business opportunities on the continent.
He also commended the Higher School of Economics (HSE) Center for African Studies in Moscow for organizing the important conference.
The panel discussion was moderated by Likhacheva Anastasia. The event brought together Heads of Diplomatic Missions, diplomats, business leaders, government officials, and university representatives, among others.
Madam Tatyana Dovgalenko, Director of the Africa Partnership Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and Head of the Secretariat of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum, attended the event and made a statement in support of strengthening Russia–Africa business relations.
Ambassador Yongawo was accompanied by Ms Rosetta M. Conteh, First Secretary of the Embassy.
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