Russia is set to expand its space exploration capabilities by constructing spaceports in friendly nations, including several African countries. According to Yury Borisov, the head of the Russian state space corporation Roscosmos, the country is offering to build spaceports on the soil of partnering nations, which would also benefit from the initiative.

The move is seen as a strategic diversification of Roscosmos' services, which have been heavily reliant on "unfriendly countries" in the past. Borisov revealed that almost 70% of Roscosmos' shipments went to these countries before the imposition of sanctions against Russia. The company is now shifting its export strategy and actively negotiating with both African and Southeast Asian nations.

Africa is a key region for Russia's space ambitions, with countries such as South Africa, Algeria, Zimbabwe, and others being considered for spaceport construction. This move is part of Russia's broader campaign to strengthen its relationship with Africa, which has seen recent deals in the naval and nuclear areas. For instance, Russia and the Central African Republic signed a memorandum of cooperation in the naval area, while Uganda has expressed interest in signing a nuclear agreement with Russia.

Roscosmos' plans to build spaceports in Africa are expected to have significant implications for the region's space industry. The construction of ground infrastructure for the launch of carrier rockets will not only provide a new revenue stream for the partnering countries but also create opportunities for local talent to develop expertise in space technology.

The move is also seen as a strategic play by Russia to expand its influence in the global space industry. By building spaceports in Africa, Russia can reduce its reliance on Western launch providers and establish itself as a major player in the global space market. This could have significant implications for the future of space exploration, as Russia looks to collaborate with other nations to achieve its ambitious space goals.

As Russia continues to strengthen its relationships with African nations, the construction of spaceports on the continent is likely to be a key area of cooperation. With active negotiations underway with several countries, it will be interesting to see which nations ultimately partner with Roscosmos to develop their space capabilities.

In conclusion, Russia's plans to launch rockets from Africa with the construction of spaceports mark a significant shift in the country's space strategy. As the global space industry continues to evolve, this move could have far-reaching implications for the future of space exploration and cooperation between nations.