Africa Day sparks youth-focused tech talks between Russia and the continent
Innovations for society
The event marked a growing awareness of Africa's changing role in the global landscape.
In the run-up to Africa Day, a group of African and Russian experts gathered for a roundtable on innovation, education and technology with a strong focus on how young people can shape the future of international cooperation.The discussion, titled “Innovations for Society: Russian-African Dialogue for Africa Day”, was hosted by the Sputnik News Agency and included speakers from Russia, Mali, Namibia, Zambia and Kenya. While the event was held in Moscow, many participants joined virtually, including high-level officials and youth representatives.
The central theme? Technology and education as powerful tools for youth development and international partnership.
Education as a bridge
Speaking at the event, Mali’s Minister of Higher Education, Bouréma Kansaye, highlighted a growing partnership between his country and Russia in education and science. He also stressed the importance of cybersecurity as digital tools become more widely used in African countries.
Kansaye pointed to the Malian Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics as an example of how technology is gaining ground, but warned that these advancements must be protected against rising threats online.
On the Russian side, Maksim Zalyvsky, head of the Russian-African Network University (RAFU), shared news of a collaborative effort to reform higher education in Mali, including plans to create a world-class university in the Bandiagara region.
“This is more than academic cooperation,” said Zalyvsky. “It’s about building institutions that can prepare the next generation of leaders in science and technology.”
Youth voices and digital independence
Namibia’s representative, Audrin Mathe, focused on digital sovereignty, the idea that African nations should store and manage their own data, rather than relying on foreign servers. “Young Africans are growing up in a digital world,” said Mathe. “We must ensure their data is safe and their futures are protected by strong local systems. Russia’s experience in cybersecurity is a model we can learn from.”
Alexey Efimov, a strategic partnerships director at Innopraktika, underlined Russia’s readiness to share its knowledge. He mentioned ongoing efforts to train African officials in e-governance through initiatives run by the HSE Center for African Studies.
“Russia has developed digital systems that can resist cyber threats,” Efimov said. “Sharing these tools can help strengthen digital infrastructure in Africa, especially as the continent’s young population takes the lead in innovation.”
Innovation where it matters most
Lubinda Haabazoka, director of the Graduate School of Business at the University of Zambia, pointed to sectors where innovation is urgently needed: energy, healthcare and mining.
“These industries are key for Africa’s development, and we must explore partnerships that bring real solutions,” he said, noting that deeper ties with Russia could help fill existing gaps in technology and investment.
Kenya’s Roseline Ogiri, who represents the African Youth Commission, emphasised that youth must not be sidelined in global decision-making.
“To unlock our potential, young people need more than political support, we need hands-on opportunities in engineering, research, and innovation,” she said. “We are ready to be part of the solution.”
Looking forward
Moderated by Anastasia Alyamovskaya of Sputnik’s international cooperation team, the event marked a growing awareness of Africa’s changing role in the global landscape, and the important part that young people, education and innovation will play.
As Africa Day celebrates the continent’s unity and independence, this dialogue served as a reminder that international cooperation isn’t just about governments, it’s about people, and especially youth, working together to shape a smarter, fairer future.