Russia has taken a significant step in strengthening its economic ties with Africa by adding Nigeria, Tunisia, and Ethiopia to its list of countries eligible for currency trading. This move brings the total number of countries allowed to trade currencies in Russia to 40, including Laos and Mexico. The expansion is seen as a strategic effort to promote de-dollarization and reduce dependence on the US dollar in international trade.

The decision was announced by Russian officials, who stated that the country's foreign exchange market and derivatives market will now be open to credit institutions and brokers from the newly added countries. This development is expected to enhance the effectiveness of the system for direct conversion of national currencies between Russia and its "friendly and neutral" partners.

The inclusion of African countries in Russia's currency trading list is not a new phenomenon. In September 2023, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa were initially approved for currency trading. However, the recent additions mark a significant expansion of Russia's economic partnerships in the region.

The move is largely driven by the limited capacity of Russian individuals to provide enough liquidity in national currencies, which has restrained transaction volumes and skewed the ruble's exchange rate. The demand for other currencies has increased as a result of Western sanctions, prompting Russia to seek alternative partners and currencies.

The BRICS group of nations, which includes Russia, has been actively pushing for de-dollarization and creating a more centralized trading system that is less reliant on the US dollar. This has caught the attention of the US, with President Donald Trump threatening to impose 100% tariffs on BRICS countries if they introduce an alternative currency for international trade.

In response to these threats, the Kremlin has cautioned that any US attempt to coerce countries to use the dollar would result in unexpected repercussions. The expansion of Russia's currency trading list can be seen as a strategic move to counterbalance the US's influence in global trade and promote a more multipolar economic order.

The implications of this development are far-reaching, with potential benefits for African countries seeking to diversify their trade partnerships and reduce their dependence on the US dollar. As Russia continues to strengthen its economic ties with Africa, it remains to be seen how this will impact the global economy and the balance of power in international trade.

In conclusion, Russia's expansion of its currency trading list to include Nigeria, Tunisia, and Ethiopia marks a significant milestone in its efforts to promote de-dollarization and strengthen its economic partnerships in Africa. As the global economy continues to evolve, this development is likely to have a lasting impact on the trajectory of international trade and the balance of power among nations.