Russia’s expanding media partnerships in Africa: Opportunities, risks and the imperative of media independence

Russia's expanding media engagement in Africa was evident at the October 2026 Russia–Africa Media Forum in Moscow, where organisers reported the signing of 29 media cooperation documents involving Russian and African institutions. RT alone announced agreements with 12 African media organisations and ministries, while TASS and Rossiya Segodnya concluded additional arrangements covering news exchange, broadcasting cooperation and professional development.