Malawi plans to raise concerns over reports that some of its citizens, particularly young women, are “trapped” at a Russian military drone manufacturing facility during the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum ministerial conference in Cairo on December 19–20, according to the Nyasa Times.

The summit, expected to focus heavily on trade and economic cooperation, comes amid growing international reports that African nationals have been trafficked or coerced into supporting Russia’s war effort in Ukraine after being lured with promises of scholarships or employment.

Malawi, alongside Kenya, South Africa, Botswana and Lesotho, is investigating the cases and seeking to repatriate affected citizens. Reports indicate that at least four Malawian women are currently held at the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, a military-industrial site around 1,000km east of Moscow that produces drones used in the war in Ukraine.

Russia’s recruitment of Africans has already resulted in fatalities. Zambian national Lemekani Nyirenda and Tanzanian Nemes Tarimo were recruited by the Wagner mercenary group, now rebranded as Africa Corps, and sent to fight in Ukraine, where both were killed shortly after deployment. The Alabuga scheme reportedly targets women aged 18–22 and channels them into hazardous work at military facilities under the guise of education or employment.

Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Chaponda, confirmed he will attend the summit. “We hope to get clarity from Russia on reports of trafficked girls under the guise of scholarships, alongside our discussions on how Africa can benefit from the partnership with Russia,” he said, as quoted by Nyasa Times.

The issue has drawn pressure from civil society groups at home. The Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) has urged the government to involve the United Nations in an investigation, while child-rights campaigner Christopher Banda said the summit represents a critical moment for accountability. “We want our Minister to demand answers on how these girls ended up in a military facility when they were promised educational and professional opportunities,” he said.

The situation underscores Malawi’s delicate diplomatic balancing act. While Lilongwe has voted to censure Russia at the UN over the invasion of Ukraine, it continues to maintain functional ties with Moscow, including receiving 20,000 tonnes of fertiliser from Russia in 2023. Ukraine, meanwhile, supplied 14,500 tonnes of maize to Malawi in 2024 to help offset food shortages linked to El Niño-driven drought.

Social campaigner Benedicto Kondowe has called for tighter oversight of overseas labour arrangements. “We need a government-to-government system, similar to the Malawi-Israel deal, to ensure accountability and the safety of our citizens abroad,” he said, as quoted by Nyasa Times.

The so-called “Alabuga Start” programme recruits women aged 18–22 through social media, advertising work-study placements in sectors such as hospitality, catering and floristry, with free flights, accommodation and competitive pay.

Multiple investigations report that on arrival, passports are confiscated and recruits are forced to assemble military equipment under harsh conditions. Since 2022, the programme has reportedly recruited about 350 women from more than 40 countries, with plans to scale up further.