Russian television network RTVI has begun broadcasting in Mali via local provider Malivision, reaching over 3mn potential viewers in its latest move to expand across Africa.

RTVI’s entry into Mali marks a strategic expansion of its presence on the continent, as the channel continues its efforts to reach Russian-speaking audiences worldwide, The Moscow Times writes. 

Mali’s ruling junta, which seized power in coups in 2020 and 2021, has increasingly aligned itself with Russia, severing military cooperation with France and removing other international forces.

According to an announcement on RTVI’s website, the agreement with Malivision, Mali’s leading digital terrestrial television provider, enables the Russian network to broadcast alongside more than 120 national and international channels. 

Network CEO Dmitry Suryaninov said the deal aligns with RTVI’s goal of becoming more globally accessible. He cited the presence of Russian-speaking communities in Africa as a key driver, noting that the network aims to provide both informative and entertainment content in Russian. The broadcaster claims to have operated in 64 African countries and unrecognised territories since 2022.

The network has also produced a series of documentaries filmed in Africa, which have reportedly generated strong international interest. According to Andrei Popov, Director of Global Distribution, the partnership with Malivision enhances RTVI’s regional visibility and creates opportunities for future collaboration with other African broadcasters.

Malivision CEO Serge Dergam described the agreement as mutually beneficial and highlighted the educational potential for local viewers interested in learning the Russian language.

The Moscow Times reports that RTVI’s expansion into Mali comes amid continued scrutiny over its financial and political affiliations. Although the network was relaunched in 2017 with investment from Israeli businessman Aaron Frenkel, investigative reporting has linked the channel to Sergei Chemezov, head of Russian defence conglomerate Rostec and a longtime associate of President Vladimir Putin.

Despite official denials, Proekt reported on February 10 that RTVI maintains close ties to Russian state interests, characterising the network as a soft power instrument with a controlled liberal image.