Russia's influence in Africa has been growing steadily, with the country's arms exports to the continent far outweighing those of other major suppliers. Despite a significant decline in Russian arms exports due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, several African countries have maintained a strong appetite for Moscow's military hardware. A recent report by the Grey Zone has revealed the top 10 African countries that have bought the most weapons from Russia between 2000 and 2021.

Algeria tops the list, with a staggering 12,333 units of Russian arms imported during the period. Egypt follows closely, with 4,823 units, while Sudan, Angola, and Uganda complete the top five. The report highlights the significant volume of Russian arms imports by these countries, which has contributed to Moscow's growing political influence on the continent.

Russia's economic interests in Africa are deeply rooted in vital areas such as weaponry, mining, and energy, including nuclear energy. The country's ability to provide a range of military and political services to its allies has been viewed as part of its power projection arsenal. This has enabled Russia to wield unexpectedly strong political influence on the continent, despite its relatively limited economic interests.

The report's findings are significant, given the decline in Russian arms exports due to the war in Ukraine. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Russian arms shipments fell by half between 2019 and 2023 compared to the preceding five-year period. However, the data suggests that African countries have continued to rely on Russian military hardware, underscoring the importance of Moscow's relationships with its African partners.

The implications of Russia's growing influence in Africa are far-reaching. As the continent becomes increasingly important in global geopolitics, Moscow's ability to project power and influence through its military and economic ties with African countries is likely to have significant consequences for regional and international security.

As the world continues to grapple with the complexities of global politics, the report's findings serve as a timely reminder of the importance of understanding the dynamics of international relations. With Russia's influence in Africa showing no signs of abating, it remains to be seen how this will shape the continent's future and its relationships with other global powers.

Source: Business Insider Africa, Grey Zone Report, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)