Russia intends to expand its cooperation with African countries significantly, placing particular emphasis on economic investment and security collaboration, Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov has said.

"Russia is increasing its presence in Africa. We really intend to comprehensively develop our interactions with African countries, placing an emphasis primarily on economic and investment interactions. Among other things, this cooperation also extends to such sensitive areas that are related to defence and security," Peskov told journalists, according to Interfax.

Peskov’s remarks follow growing Russian engagement in regions where Western influence has waned, particularly in parts of West and Central Africa. Recent developments include the deployment of the Africa Corps, a state-controlled paramilitary unit established by the Russian Ministry of Defence, which has begun replacing the Wagner Group in several countries.

Wagner previously operated in Mali, the Central African Republic and other nations, providing military support to governments facing internal unrest. The group was dismantled by the Russian state after the June 2023 mutiny led by its founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, resulting in a restructuring of Russia’s paramilitary strategy. According to officials, 70–80% of Africa Corps personnel are drawn from former Wagner ranks.

The Kremlin’s renewed focus on Africa includes countries that have distanced themselves from traditional Western allies. Mali, for instance, terminated defence cooperation with France following coups in 2020 and 2021, and has increasingly welcomed Russian assistance.