Hit hard by Western economic sanctions, Russia continues its search for new strategic partners. The latest initiative is the upcoming launch of a direct maritime route connecting Russia to West Africa, with planned stops in Nigeria and Senegal. The project is being spearheaded by JSC A7 Holding, a Russian maritime company that has recently established a subsidiary dedicated specifically to this region of the continent.
The route, which will service the port of Lagos in Nigeria with scheduled stops in Dakar, represents a turning point in Moscow’s projection strategy. While Russian diplomacy has already shown signs of increasing engagement with Africa in recent years, this time it is leveraging commercial and logistical channels.
Struggling with the gradual closure of its traditional markets in Europe since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Russia has made Africa a priority economic horizon. This maritime route, beyond simply transporting goods, is part of a broader policy of economic redeployment.
But it’s not just a matter of trade. By entering the African port and logistics sector, Russia also seeks to establish a lasting presence in strategic spaces, often neglected or left vacant by other powers. The choice of Dakar and Lagos is no coincidence. These two ports are among the most active and well-positioned on the Atlantic coast, offering direct access to the large markets of West Africa.
For the countries involved, this opening could represent an opportunity. The arrival of a new logistical player could diversify trade flows, stimulate port investments, and foster a form of competition beneficial to local economies. However, it also raises questions. How far is Moscow willing to push its presence? Is this simply an economic partnership, or a broader strategy for political and geostrategic influence?
Source: lanouvelletribune
