Russia’s grain diplomacy with Africa has become a strategic tool of influence. Against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine, Russia’s efforts to supply grains as humanitarian aid to Africa’s poorest nations have taken center stage. While these shipments may appear altruistic, they are deeply entangled in Moscow’s broader geopolitical goals: reinforcing relationships with Africa and gaining international support, or at least neutrality, in its war with Ukraine.
On March 20, 2023, during the interparliamentary conference “Russia-Africa” held in Moscow, President Vladimir Putin emphasized the urgency of aiding six of the least developed and poorest African countries: Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Eritrea, Mali, Somalia, and Zimbabwe. Referring to this assistance as humanitarian aid, Putin highlighted the acute need for grain supplies to alleviate hunger in these regions. By July 2023, this promise was reiterated at the second Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg, where Putin announced a “grains at no-cost delivery” plan to these countries—drawing loud applause from the audience.
The scale of this gesture became evident when Russia, through its Agriculture Ministry, dispatched a total of 200,000 metric tonnes of grain as humanitarian aid to the six nations. This move not only addressed an urgent food security crisis but also solidified Russia’s diplomatic ties across the African continent. The shipment gained widespread media attention, with Russian state TV showcasing images of white bags of wheat emblazoned with the flags of both Russia and Burkina Faso. During a ceremony in January 2024, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Solidarity and Humanitarian Action, Nandy Some-Diallo, praised the donation, underscoring the significance of the strong relationship between the two countries.
According to Russia’s Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev, logistical challenges delayed the shipment, with the first vessel leaving on November 7, 2023, and the final delivery completed in February 2024. This large-scale operation was celebrated as a testament to Russia’s humanitarian efforts, but many observers see it as a carefully calculated move in the context of Russia’s growing presence in Africa.
Grain as a Strategic Tool in Africa
The grain shipments underscore Russia’s evolving strategy in Africa, particularly as it seeks to build alliances and counterbalance Western influence. Zimbabwean economist Godfrey Kanyenze noted the geopolitical dimensions of Russia’s grain aid, describing it as a tactical maneuver to gain favor with African nations. He highlighted how Russia is taking advantage of Africa’s food insecurity to strengthen its foothold on the continent, especially in nations where anti-Western sentiment is rising.
“It’s geopolitics at play … the major string is to control or get a head start ahead of other rivals or competitors,” Kanyenze told CNN in February 2024. Africa has become a key battleground for influence, as global powers vie for dominance over its rich resources, strategic positions, and growing populations. Kanyenze suggested that Russia is playing the long game, positioning itself as a preferred partner for African countries by meeting their immediate needs while sowing the seeds of long-term loyalty.
Russia’s efforts in Africa have paid off politically as well. While many African nations have remained neutral regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, some have even leaned toward Russia’s side. Eritrea, for example, voted against a UN General Assembly resolution demanding Russia’s withdrawal from Ukraine. Russia’s support for African nations through grain and other means is helping to solidify these alliances.
Africa’s Silence on Ukraine: A Product of Dependence?
African countries have been notably silent or neutral on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a stark contrast to the condemnation from Western nations. Analysts argue that this neutrality is not coincidental but is tied to the growing relationship between Russia and Africa. Russian aid, in the form of grains, security assistance, and arms supplies, has allowed many African countries to shift their dependence away from Western nations. This, in turn, has muted criticism of Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
At the same time, Russia has capitalized on growing anti-colonial sentiment in Africa, particularly in nations where resentment toward former colonial powers, particularly France, is strong. Many African leaders view Russia as a more sympathetic partner, one that never colonized African nations and is now seen as helping them combat the vestiges of Western imperialism.
Russia’s grain aid has received glowing coverage in both foreign and local media, but critics point out that it exposes the broader economic weaknesses of Africa. These six nations are unable to secure food independently and must rely on external powers to feed their populations. This dependence underscores the lack of modernization in African agriculture and the absence of robust food security strategies, issues that have plagued the continent for decades.
Africa’s Struggle with Agricultural Modernization
The fanfare surrounding Russia’s grain shipments obscures a deeper problem: Africa’s continued failure to modernize its agricultural sector and secure long-term food security. Despite being home to 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, Africa imports significant quantities of food—especially grains—from both Russia and Ukraine. This reliance on external food sources leaves the continent vulnerable to global market disruptions and political leverage, as seen in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Zimbabwe presents a stark contrast to its counterparts in this scenario. Despite being under Western sanctions for over two decades, Zimbabwe has managed to increase its wheat production significantly. The country, which harvested a record amount of wheat in the 2022 agricultural season, has become a model for import substitution agricultural policies aimed at achieving self-sufficiency. This success is largely attributed to Zimbabwe’s efforts to mobilize local scientists and implement strategic agricultural reforms. While Zimbabwe still faces challenges, its progress could serve as a lesson for nations like Burkina Faso, Eritrea, Mali, and Somalia, where reliance on food aid is still prevalent.
Russia’s Double Game: Humanitarian Aid and Profit
While Russia’s grain deliveries to Africa are framed as humanitarian aid, the Kremlin has broader economic interests in the region. Russia’s food exports to Africa are expected to generate $33 billion in revenue in 2024. This economic partnership is driven not only by food exports but also by arms deals, security agreements, and access to Africa’s vast mineral wealth.
Russia’s growing influence in Africa, particularly through its grain diplomacy, highlights the geopolitical contest between global powers on the continent. While Moscow rails against Western imperialism and presents itself as a champion of African sovereignty, it is simultaneously seeking to secure its own economic and strategic interests. Russian flags are increasingly seen as symbols of anti-Western sentiment, but this narrative risks obscuring the fact that many African countries remain trapped in a cycle of dependency on external powers—whether they are from the West or the East.
Africa: Agricultural Self-Sufficiency
The discourse surrounding Russia’s grain diplomacy should spur African nations to re-evaluate their priorities, particularly in relation to agricultural modernization and self-sufficiency. Africa’s reliance on external food supplies is a symptom of broader governance challenges, including corruption, poor development policies, and ineffective governance structures. Without addressing these fundamental issues, Africa will remain vulnerable to the geopolitical games of more powerful nations.
The African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a prosperous and self-sufficient Africa, offers a blueprint for tackling these issues. Key to achieving this vision is the implementation of institutional reforms that can prevent foreign powers from exploiting the continent’s resources while ensuring that African nations retain control over their own development paths. By focusing on agricultural modernization, investing in local infrastructure, and strengthening governance, Africa can break free from the cycle of dependence and truly realize the promise of Agenda 2063: an Africa that solves its own problems with its own resources.
In the meantime, Russia’s grain shipments are a reminder of the complex interplay between humanitarian aid, economic interest, and geopolitical strategy. Until Africa achieves food security through sustainable agricultural practices, it will remain vulnerable to the influence of global powers like Russia, who are keen to exploit both its resources and its needs.
