By Kestér Kenn KLOMEGÂH
Today, driven by the Kremlin’s diplomatic efforts and backed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of Partnership, Russian firms are advancing numerous developmental initiatives and corporate entrepreneurship ventures across Africa. The St. Petersburg summit has laid out a detailed action plan aimed at enhancing comprehensive bilateral economic collaboration with the continent, which boasts abundant natural wealth including substantial human capital.
Russia’s economic collaboration with Africa continues to broaden geographically. It was earlier noted that starting from early 2025, around 150 Russian enterprises have ventured into the African market under the initiative of the country’s Ministry of Industry and Trade. Furthermore, as Africa expresses readiness for key collaborations, A7 African Cargo Lines LLC (A7 ACL), a firm based in Moscow and officially registered in Russia, has initiated its logistical and maritime transportation operations aimed at West Africa.
According to the Unified State Register of Legal Entities, A7 African Cargo Lines LLC (A7 ACL, Moscow), was registered on April 17, and has its primary activity listed as railway freight transportation.
“Andrei Severilov, the Board Chairman, informed Interfax about their plans to operate in West Africa. He mentioned that initially, with support from the Russian trade mission in Nigeria, they aim to launch a project for setting up a direct shipping route,” Severilov stated.
The news report states that a new sea route linking Novorossiysk and Nigeria’s Port of Lagos is scheduled to commence in mid-June. Two charter vessels will be used for the inaugural run, each capable of carrying up to 700 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). Additionally, future ambitions encompass developing shipping routes connecting with Senegal via Dakar port.
Previously, Severilov held a 23.8% share in PJSC Far Eastern Shipping Company (FESCO), which is the parent entity of FESCO Transportation Group. In September 2024, he declared his plans to return to the transportation sector and founded A7 African Cargo Lines LLC (A7 ACL) based in Moscow. This new venture will concentrate on Africa, aiming chiefly at achieving substantial profitability through logistical services. The strategic move to engage in cargo logistics between Africa and beyond positions this initiative well for considerable expansion as it facilitates trading activities throughout the continent and into European markets.
Through the establishment of a fresh shipping route connecting Western Africa, starting with Nigeria, there is potential for boosting commerce. As the continent’s most populated country and leading economic power, Nigeria plays an essential role within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This organization promotes inter-African trade and enhances economic unity.
In addition to above factors, Russian companies are showing increased interest in Nigeria, for example in reviving the countries largest steel plant. There is also interest in investing in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Without a doubt, setting up A7 African Cargo Lines LLC (A7 ACL, Moscow) presents a clear chance to boost trade through its logistical framework.
According to reports, Russia’s exports to Nigeria total approximately $1.51 billion, largely comprising refined petroleum, wheat, and malt. In contrast, Nigeria sends a smaller volume to Russia, chiefly including cut flowers, other oily seeds, and nuts.
In addition, by the end of 2024, Africa’s total trade figures climbed to an unprecedented $24.5 billion, up from approximately $20 billion recorded during the special panel discussions in 2023, coinciding with the second Russia-Africa summit hosted in St. Petersburg, which is the second most populous city in the Russian Federation.
By the time of the subsequent Russia-Africa summit scheduled for 2026, there is significant hope that additional Russian businesses will become prominent across Africa despite ongoing complications and difficulties. This could potentially expand their economic impact amid shifting global political dynamics influenced by Western nations and then-President Donald Trump of the United States.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
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