Russia has formally designated Egypt as its largest African trade and economic partner, underscoring the deepening relationship between the two countries.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, bilateral commerce is expected to surpass $9 billion by 2024, highlighting Egypt’s central role in Moscow’s engagement on the continent.
The announcement coincided with celebrations marking 82 years of diplomatic relations, which have historically included political, military, and economic cooperation, according to SPUTNIK.
Russia Names Egypt Its Largest Trade & Economic Partner in Africa, Foreign Ministry Says – 26.08.2025, Sputnik Africa.
In recent years, collaboration has expanded significantly in energy, agriculture, and tourism, positioning Egypt as one of Russia’s most important strategic allies outside Europe and Asia.
Diplomatic engagement between the two nations is also growing. In June, Russia announced it would open a new consulate in Sharm el-Sheikh, one of Egypt’s most visited Red Sea resorts.
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Approved by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, the consulate is expected to support thousands of Russian tourists each year while also strengthening Moscow’s diplomatic presence in the region.
This development adds to Russia’s existing consular operations in Alexandria and Hurghada, further expanding its footprint across Egypt’s Mediterranean and Red Sea coastlines.
At the heart of the partnership is Egypt’s first nuclear power station, El-Dabaa, which is being constructed by Russia’s state-owned Rosatom.
Launched in 2022, the project reflects a long-term investment by both nations in their alliance. The facility is designed to boost Egypt’s electricity generation capacity, diversify its energy sources, and cement Russia’s role as a major contributor to Egypt’s infrastructure development.
Agriculture has also become a cornerstone of trade between the two countries. Agroexport reported that Russia’s agricultural exports to Africa rose by 19 percent in 2024, surpassing $7 billion, with Egypt ranking as one of Russia’s primary economic partners.
The North African nation imported more food products from Russia than any other African country and increased its purchases by 21 percent by the end of the year.
“Egypt is a leading importer of Russian wheat. The country also imports sunflower and soybean oil, legumes, flax seeds, molasses, yeast, and various other goods,” Agroexport stated.
The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized that Moscow and Cairo “maintain regular contacts at the highest level” and will continue to coordinate closely within the United Nations and other multilateral platforms.
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Image Credit: Aljazeera
