The Roscongress Foundation of Russia and African organisation Jet Age Nation Builders (JANB) have signed a five-year cooperation agreement to promote youth engagement, expand educational and entrepreneurial exchanges, and strengthen humanitarian ties between Russia and Africa.
The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum in Moscow, is part of a broader set of youth cooperation deals Roscongress concluded with African youth and government organisations, including the Russian-African Youth Union, the South African BRICS Youth Association, the African Youth Congress and Nigeria’s Abia State Ministry of Sports and Youth Development.
The agreements cover direct engagement between youth associations, exchanges of experience in educational, social and entrepreneurial initiatives, and participation in international events organised by the foundation. Roscongress Chairman and Chief Executive Alexander Stuglev said a new generation of young professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders interested in international cooperation and joint projects is coming of age in Africa.
The partnership will see Roscongress invite African youth representatives to international forums and thematic events to discuss projects and develop cooperation proposals, with the foundation committing to expand contacts with youth organisations, support initiatives and bring their representatives to international business and cultural events. For Nigeria, the Abia State partnership is intended to create opportunities for young people and strengthen dialogue between nations.
The youth cooperation agreements build on the Russia-Africa Youth Forum, which opened at MGIMO University in Moscow on October 28 as part of the third Russia-Africa Summit, bringing together young leaders to discuss education, entrepreneurship, technology and humanitarian cooperation. Namibia’s First Gentleman Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah called for stronger cooperation between African and Russian youth in education, entrepreneurship and technology, saying young people must be given opportunities to translate their skills into jobs and economic development.
The agreements also align with the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum Action Plan for 2027–2029, which identifies youth engagement, education, culture and civil society as key pillars of cooperation. For Africa, the challenge now is to ensure these partnerships deliver practical opportunities for young people to build skills, access networks and participate in international economic and cultural life.
Africa Presents is a Pan-African digital magazine and monthly publication covering politics, business, economy, culture, tech, and the stories shaping Africa and its diaspora. Visit africapresents.com and follow @AfricaPresents for daily coverage and monthly themed magazine editions.
Leave a comment