Russia’s trade with African countries topped $27 billion in 2025, with agriculture serving as the cornerstone of the collaboration. Russia exported 1.5 million metric tons of mineral fertilizers to Africa last year, as well as over 18 million tons of grain. In the first nine months of 2026, Moscow has shipped over 2.2 million tons of fertilizer in 2026 and over 13 million tons of grain. Russia is also expanding its diplomatic footprint across Africa, with new embassies in South Sudan, The Gambia, and the Comoros since 2022. Moscow has also reopened five missions in Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Togo. According to a Kremlin aide, the strong trade numbers come amid improved cooperation on counterterrorism, drug trafficking, and cybercrime, signaling improved ties between Russia and Africa.