Presidential Adviser Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba has highlighted the need for closer relations between Africa and Russia, urging both sides to prioritize education, technical expertise and investment to support the continent’s long-term development.
He shared his views at the Second Russian-African Raw Materials Dialogue, hosted by Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University in Russia. The gathering provided a platform for discussions on natural resources and ways to expand cooperation between African countries and Russia.
Kabba also reflected on his personal journey, describing how his life was affected by Sierra Leone’s civil war. He was recruited into an armed faction at the age of 12 before later pursuing educational opportunities in Russia.
His studies opened the door to a career in the energy industry. He spent more than eight years working as a petroleum engineer for Lukoil Overseas, a Russian energy company, with professional assignments across Central Asia, the Middle East and West Africa.
Following his work in the private sector, Kabba took on several senior responsibilities in Sierra Leone’s government. His public service career included leadership of the country’s petroleum agency, followed by appointments as minister of mines and mineral resources and minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation.
Addressing Africa’s development challenges, Kabba emphasized that possessing abundant natural resources is not enough to guarantee prosperity. He argued that countries must invest in their people, strengthen technical education and improve access to modern technology so that local workers and businesses can play a greater role in developing national industries.
He also called for African governments to pursue international partnerships that reflect their development priorities. In his view, stronger engagement with Russia should be based on mutual respect, common interests and cooperation that produces tangible benefits for the parties involved.
Kabba discussed the historical relationship between Russia and Africa, pointing to Russia’s different position in the European colonial division of the continent. He suggested that historical context could inform present-day relations, while stressing the need to focus on partnerships that support Africa’s economic ambitions.
He further urged African leaders to tackle internal obstacles that undermine development. Corruption, complicated administrative procedures and weak public institutions, he said, can limit investment and prevent countries from making the most of international cooperation.
Among those attending the dialogue was Tatyana Dovgalenko, director of the Department for Partnership with Africa at Russia’s Foreign Ministry.
Representing Sierra Leone at the event were Ambassador to Russia Mohamed Yongawo; Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education Sarjoh Aziz Kamara; Dr. Lawrence Sao Babawo, deputy vice-chancellor of Eastern Technical University; and Dr. Solomon Augustine Tucker of Fourah Bay College.
Kabba’s remarks underscored the importance of combining international partnerships with domestic reforms and investment in human capital. He emphasized that Africa’s natural wealth can contribute more effectively to economic progress when countries build local expertise, strengthen institutions and create opportunities for their citizens.
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