Russia’s Visa-Free Ambitions with Africa: A Closer Look
Russia has recently announced plans to implement a ‘visa-free regime’ with all African countries, aiming to strengthen cultural and economic ties. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance relations between the two regions, particularly in the context of a multipolar world. However, the practical implementation of such policies remains under discussion, with several challenges still ahead.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the visa-free regime was intended to foster closer cultural exchanges. The announcement generated significant attention across Russian media, from Moscow to Vladivostok. Yet, subsequent clarifications revealed that the policy was still under review. Diplomatic discussions were ongoing with various African nations, each with its own specific requirements. Additionally, there was a need to categorize African countries into different groups based on their diplomatic and legal frameworks.
On 2 October 2024, Alexey Klimov, Head of the Consular Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated during an interview that Russia was working on travel agreements to abolish visa requirements for short-term visits, typically up to 90 days. He mentioned that nine African countries were among the states being considered for this arrangement. While the details remain under negotiation, the goal is to formalize these agreements through documented bilateral agreements.
Tourism and Cultural Exchange
Tourism has been a key topic in discussions between Russia and Africa, especially following the Russia-Africa summits. Joint declarations from these summits outlined comprehensive strategies to elevate cooperation to a new level. Tourism was one of the most praised areas, with calls for increased cultural exchanges and collaborative efforts to promote tourism and cultural activities between the two regions.
To boost economic interests and foster stronger cooperation, frequent interactions are essential. These interactions should not be limited to summits and conferences alone but should include strategic steps to encourage simple holiday travels between the two regions. Despite the potential, current relations lack the necessary infrastructure and initiatives to support such travel.
Critics argue that Russia’s approach to Africa may contribute to its isolation, especially when there are ample opportunities to develop high-quality tourism. African elites often prefer vacationing in the United States or Europe, while some Asian destinations have become increasingly popular. This trend is unlikely to change in the near future.
Challenges in Implementing Visa-Free Agreements
While the idea of a visa-free regime is promising, the reality is more complex. Currently, Russia has only signed visa-free agreements with six African countries, and even those apply only to holders of diplomatic passports. The process of negotiating and finalizing these agreements is ongoing, and the official list of approved African countries remains undisclosed.
Despite these challenges, officials emphasize the importance of building multifaceted relationships with Africa. During the St. Petersburg summit in 2023, Azali Assoumani, Chairman of the African Union and President of Comoros, remarked, “If Russia Wins, Africa Wins!” This sentiment reflects the growing partnership between the two regions.
The Secretariat of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum was established to promote economic interests and foster mutually beneficial cooperation. The Joint Action Plan (2023-2026) outlines various initiatives aimed at strengthening ties, including cultural and tourism collaborations.
A Virtual Great Power?
Despite its ambitions, Russia appears more like a 'virtual great power' than a genuine challenger to Western and Chinese influence in Africa. Official narratives often highlight anti-colonial and anti-Western themes, emphasizing measures aimed at ensuring Africa's sovereignty.
Tatiana Dovgalenko, Director of the Department of Partnership with Africa at the Russian Foreign Ministry, stressed the importance of her department’s role in promoting comprehensive development of relations between Russia and Africa. She highlighted the need to implement decisions covering a wide range of cooperation areas, including culture and tourism.
Dovgalenko also pointed out that greater participation by African tourism representatives in events in Russia, along with visa-free travel, could increase the appeal of Africa. This dual approach would benefit both regions and help sustain bilateral cooperation.
Conclusion
As Russia continues to pursue its vision of a multipolar world, the challenge lies in turning ambitious goals into tangible results. While the visa-free regime is a step in the right direction, much work remains to be done to make it a reality. Strengthening people-to-people ties and addressing practical concerns will be crucial in shaping the future of Russia-Africa relations.