Russia is rapidly expanding its military footprint across Africa as the continent now accounts for 30% of orders handled by Rosoboronexport, the country’s state intermediary agency for defense-related exports.
The latest figures underline Moscow’s growing strategic focus on Africa at a time when several governments across the continent are increasing spending on security, military modernization, coastline protection, and counterterrorism operations.
According to Alexander Mikheev, Director General of Rosoboronexport and Deputy Chairman of the Russian Union of Machine-Builders, the Russian defense exporter has already spent more than $20 billion across Africa through 150 separate contracts signed with multiple African nations.
Mikheev disclosed the figures during remarks delivered to mark Africa Day on May 25.
He said Russia continues to deepen decades-long relations with African countries through military-technical cooperation, infrastructure projects, and defense technology partnerships.
“Africa accounts for 30% of the company’s book of orders, with contracts for technological cooperation projects worth over $1.7 billion,” Mikheev stated.
He also revealed that Rosoboronexport currently maintains intergovernmental military-technical cooperation agreements with 46 African countries.
That network places Africa among the company’s most important strategic regions outside Russia.
The Russian defense exporter says it plans to strengthen relationships further by supplying weapons systems, improving military infrastructure, and supporting local defense production partnerships across the continent.
In addition, the company wants to expand cooperation through licensed manufacturing arrangements, joint production projects, weapons modernization programs, maintenance services, and research collaborations.
Rosoboronexport noted that African delegations are expected to participate actively in the first International Security Forum taking place in the Moscow Region beginning May 26.
Russian officials view the gathering as another opportunity to reinforce security partnerships with African governments.
The latest disclosures highlight Russia’s increasing competition for influence in Africa’s defense sector, where global powers continue to pursue military alliances, infrastructure investments, and security cooperation agreements.
Over the past decade, Russia has steadily positioned itself as a major security partner for several African countries facing insurgencies, political instability, piracy threats, and border security challenges.
Consequently, military cooperation between Moscow and African states has expanded beyond weapons sales into broader defense technology and industrial partnerships.
Rosoboronexport says its African strategy focuses on tailored defense solutions designed to improve national security capabilities and coastline protection.
The company also emphasized direct military equipment deliveries and long-term support services for existing systems already deployed across the continent.
Furthermore, Russian defense officials signaled readiness to collaborate with African governments on advanced weapons development and modernization programs.
That approach could help some African nations reduce dependence on Western suppliers while building local defense manufacturing capacity.
The announcement comes as Africa’s defense and security market continues attracting increased global attention.
Rising geopolitical competition, regional conflicts, and the growing need for maritime security have pushed several governments to strengthen military partnerships with external powers including Russia, China, the United States, Turkey, and France.
For Russia, Africa represents not only a growing export market but also an important geopolitical arena where Moscow seeks stronger diplomatic, economic, and military influence.
