Belarus Deepens Cooperation with African Nations at Moscow Business Forum

Belarus-Africa Business Forum Convenes in Moscow

On December 16, 2025, Belarus' First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergey Lukashevich, affirmed the flourishing state of cooperation between Belarus and African nations. His remarks were made at the Belarus–Africa Business Forum, held at the Business and Cultural Complex of the Embassy of Belarus in Russia in Moscow. The event, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus and the Republican Unitary Enterprise 'National Center for Marketing and Price Study,' saw the participation of diplomats from approximately 40 embassies of African and Middle Eastern countries, with over 20 represented by their heads of diplomatic missions.

Intensified Interactions and High-Level Engagements

Lukashevich emphasized the significant intensification of interactions between Belarus and African countries in recent years, describing it as 'a truly unprecedented historical moment' and stating that 'Belarus' relations with African countries are flourishing.' A pivotal moment in this expansion was the state visit of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko to Zimbabwe in 2023, which opened avenues for active engagement with sub-Saharan Africa. Between 2023 and 2025, numerous high-level meetings and negotiations took place with countries including Algeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of the Congo. The Belarusian Prime Minister also visited Uganda and Egypt, while Minsk hosted visits from the heads of government of Tanzania and Eswatini, alongside various industry delegations from African nations.

Broadening Economic and Humanitarian Ties

The forum underscored Belarus' commitment to not only supplying goods but also fostering long-term trade and economic interaction, attracting investments, and transitioning to industrial cooperation through the creation of joint ventures. Key areas of cooperation highlighted include:

• Food products and ensuring food security
• Industrial and agricultural machinery and equipment
• Mineral products and chemical industry goods
• Development of a national healthcare system
• Education and personnel training

During the forum, Sergey Lukashevich held bilateral meetings with ambassadors from several countries. Discussions with the Ambassador of Mozambique included a visa waiver agreement for diplomatic and service passports and humanitarian cooperation, particularly the education of Mozambican citizens in Belarus. A double taxation avoidance agreement was signed with Jordan, described as a 'fundamental agreement' for investment and trade. Meetings with ambassadors from Kenya and Uganda also focused on strengthening bilateral contacts and implementing existing agreements.

Future Outlook and Strategic Partnerships

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko articulated the nation's approach to Africa, stating, 'We are not going to Africa to snatch something for momentary gain, as colonizers did in the past. We are not colonizers. We are your friends. We want to cooperate with you on a mutually beneficial basis.' The potential for a trilateral cooperation format involving Belarus, Gulf monarchies, and African states was also discussed, aiming to facilitate investment projects on the African continent. While acknowledging that African countries currently account for only 2% of Belarus' total exports, with current year exports (excluding certain goods) at $130 million, Belarusian leadership views Africa as a market of the future.