"We highly appreciate the results of our joint work at the summit. I am confident that the results achieved form a good basis for further deepening the Russian-African partnership in the interests of prosperity and well-being of our peoples," Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
On July 27-28, 2023, a unique forum was held in St. Petersburg, which united Russia and the countries of the African continent. The event, organized within the framework of the second Russia—Africa Summit, attracted more than 9 thousand participants and media representatives from all over the world. The forum was dedicated to developing the potential of Russian-African cooperation. Its business program was attended by 457 speakers who discussed four main areas: the economy of the new world, cooperation in science and technology, the humanitarian and social spheres: together towards a new quality of life, comprehensive security and sovereign development.
59 panel sessions were held at the forum, where topical issues of cooperation between Russia and African countries were discussed.
One of the key elements of the forum was a large-scale exhibition that brought together more than 50 stands in key areas of cooperation between the two continents. Among the participants of the exhibition were leading Russian universities such as the Higher School of Economics, Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia and Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University.
The Center for African Studies of the Higher School of Economics (HSE) took an active part in the forum, organizing a stand dedicated to the exchange of knowledge in the field of digitalization of public administration. The training program "Transfer of competencies in the field of digitalization of public administration" for employees of public authorities in African countries was presented at the stand. Forum participants could familiarize themselves with the program materials using an interactive touch panel.
The delegations of the Russian-Moroccan Alliance from Russia and Morocco actively participated in this event. The topics discussed at the forum fully correspond to the strategic objectives of the Alliance. It is planned to further expand cooperation between the two countries in this direction, with the assistance of the RMA and the Higher School of Economics.
The Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum has become an important step towards strengthening cooperation between Russia and African countries. The event provided a unique opportunity to share experiences and knowledge, as well as to discuss the prospects for further development of relations.