By Abdullahi Lukman
African countries have been urged to prioritise local production, industrialisation and value addition in their economic partnerships with Russia and other global powers to ensure greater economic benefits for their populations.
Kenyan public policy analyst, Raphael Obonyo, said the continent must move beyond exporting raw materials and importing finished products at higher costs, stressing the need for partnerships that promote domestic industries and strengthen local economies.
Obonyo said African countries should seek investments that enable them to process their natural resources locally, create jobs and retain a greater share of the economic value generated from their resources.
He identified agriculture, energy, transport and infrastructure as key sectors where Russia and other major economic partners could expand investments and cooperation with African countries.
The analyst also emphasised the importance of technology transfer, skills development and investment in local processing industries, noting that these would strengthen Africa’s productive capacity and improve its participation in global value chains.
According to him, engagements between Africa and Russia should focus on practical economic opportunities that support industrial development rather than reinforce existing patterns of resource dependence.
Obonyo further called for diversified trade agreements, alternative payment systems and improved logistics connecting African countries with Russia and the BRICS economic bloc.
He said such measures would expand trade opportunities, strengthen economic cooperation and support Africa’s ambition to secure a more competitive position in the global economy.
