(MENAFN) Russia has expressed its commitment to assisting African nations in achieving both energy independence and economic self-sufficiency—without seeking control over the continent’s natural assets.

Tatyana Dovgalenko, who leads the Africa Partnership Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, shared this message during the Russia-Africa session of the Russian Energy Week forum held in Moscow on Wednesday.

Dovgalenko underlined that Russia's collaborative approach is rooted in shared benefits rather than exploiting Africa’s mineral wealth.

“We are ready to lend a helping hand in the spirit of continuity, and we are not laying claim to Africa’s resources. Our country is rich in its own resources – we have no such goal,” she stated.

She further explained that Russia’s priority is to strengthen Africa’s capabilities across various sectors.

According to Dovgalenko, Moscow envisions the continent becoming “a distinctive and influential center of global development.”

She emphasized that achieving this objective would be impossible without “energy sovereignty, because energy is the lifeblood of any economy.” This highlights the central role energy infrastructure and autonomy play in Africa's future economic progress.

Russia’s assistance also includes workforce development. Dovgalenko mentioned that her country plans to educate and train African specialists in technical fields related to oil and gas.

She pointed out that “personnel are everything” and confirmed that “Russia is ready, in the spirit of continuity, to train professionals in the oil and gas sector, as well as nuclear physicists, engineers, and other related fields.”

Adding to the discussion, Russian Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshavin spoke about the immense potential for collaborative energy projects between Russia and Africa.

Referencing projections from UN sources, he noted that by 2050, every second child born will be in Africa.

This expected demographic boom will accelerate economic growth and fuel demand for energy, laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term cooperation.

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