Faith Nyasuguta
Russia has officially named Egypt as its largest trade and economic partner in Africa, marking a new phase in their expanding relationship. The announcement highlights not just growing trade volumes but also a deepening alliance centered on energy, agriculture, and tourism.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, trade between the two countries was expected to surpass $9 billion in 2024. This milestone coincides with the 82nd anniversary of their diplomatic ties, a relationship rooted in political, military, and economic cooperation but now gaining fresh momentum.
Egypt’s strategic location and diverse economy make it an attractive partner for Moscow as it seeks to strengthen its footprint outside Europe and Asia. In many ways, Cairo has become Russia’s anchor on the African continent.
One of the most striking examples of this partnership is the El-Dabaa nuclear power plant, currently under construction by Russia’s state-owned energy giant Rosatom. Launched in 2022, the project is the first of its kind in Egypt and stands as a symbol of long-term cooperation. Once completed, the plant will significantly boost Egypt’s electricity generation, diversify its energy mix, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. For Russia, the project cements its role as a vital player in Egypt’s infrastructure development.
But energy is only one part of the story. Agriculture has also become a key pillar in the growing partnership. Russia remains one of Egypt’s biggest suppliers of food products, particularly wheat. By the end of 2024, Egypt had increased its imports of Russian agricultural goods by 21%. Beyond wheat, Russian exports include sunflower and soybean oil, legumes, flax seeds, molasses, and yeast. According to Agroexport, Russia’s agricultural exports to Africa overall rose by 19% in 2024, with Egypt emerging as the largest importer on the continent.
Tourism is another dimension of the expanding ties. Russia recently announced it would open a new consulate in Sharm el-Sheikh, one of Egypt’s most popular Red Sea resorts. Approved by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, the move is designed to support the thousands of Russian tourists who flock to Egypt each year. It also strengthens Moscow’s diplomatic presence, adding to existing operations in Alexandria and Hurghada. This expansion signals Russia’s growing influence along Egypt’s Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts.
Both nations also continue to engage closely at the diplomatic level. The Russian Foreign Ministry stressed that Moscow and Cairo maintain “regular contacts at the highest level” and coordinate in global forums such as the United Nations.
For Egypt, this partnership offers access to advanced technology, stable food supplies, and a steady stream of tourists. For Russia, it secures a dependable ally in North Africa at a time when global power competition is intensifying.
With trade, nuclear power, and agriculture forming the backbone of cooperation, Egypt has clearly become Russia’s gateway to Africa. As both countries look ahead, their deepening relationship seems poised to shape not only their futures but also broader dynamics between Africa and the rest of the world.
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