In just a few days, on 27 October, Moscow will host the Eighth Summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). The meeting comes at a time of profound transformation in the global economy, growing demand for energy resources and continued volatility in international energy markets. In these circumstances, the Summit offers an important opportunity to reiterate the role of gas as the clean fuel of the 21st century, to strengthen cooperation between energy producers and consumers, to promote a common understanding of the challenges facing the sector, and to give fresh impetus to technological advancement in the long-term interests of our peoples.
These priorities have also been at the centre of Russia’s recent engagement with African partners. I recently attended African Energy Week, held in Cape Town from 12 to 16 October. As part of the Made in Russia business mission organised by the Russian Export Centre, 11 of our companies presented innovative solutions to the African market. Their joint exhibition stand showcased equipment for the oil and gas industry, automation systems, pipe products and environmentally friendly infrastructure. The Russia-Africa Investment Forum, held on the sidelines of the event, provided a valuable platform for discussing concrete business opportunities.
The interest shown by our African partners reflects practical economic priorities. Many countries are seeking expertise and technologies that can improve the performance of existing oil and gas fields, ensure the reliable maintenance of equipment, strengthen local industrial capacity and develop a skilled national workforce. In this regard, the approaches proposed by Gazprom Neft for the development of mature onshore assets are particularly illustrative. They demonstrate how cooperation can extend well beyond the supply of equipment or the provision of individual services, creating the conditions for a lasting business presence that brings new expertise, employment opportunities and a substantial share of the value generated to the host countries.
The Russian side views this model as especially relevant to Africa, where the development of domestic capabilities is essential to strengthening economic self-reliance and sustainable growth across key sectors. Our objective is not simply to participate in individual projects, but to establish partnerships that enable our counterparts to expand their own technological and industrial potential.
It is worth noting that Russian Energy Week was held in Moscow at virtually the same time, from 14 to 16 October. Discussions in Cape Town and Moscow reflected a common understanding of the importance of predictable markets, favourable investment conditions and the wider adoption of advanced technologies. In his message of greetings to the participants of the Moscow forum, President Vladimir Putin placed particular emphasis on international dialogue, the security of logistics routes and the training of skilled personnel for the energy sector. He also identified the forthcoming GECF Summit as a continuation of these discussions.
Taken together, these events underscore the growing need for coordinated approaches to energy development and the functioning of the global economy. In a world where energy security, industrial growth and technological advancement are increasingly interconnected, no country can afford to disregard the importance of stable supplies, reliable infrastructure and constructive international cooperation.
For Africa, these questions are inseparable from the continent’s broader development agenda. Its immense natural wealth stands in stark contrast to persistent electricity shortages, which continue to constrain businesses, hospitals, schools and other essential services. According to the World Bank and the International Energy Agency, more than half a billion people in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to electricity, accounting for approximately 85% of the global population without access to power. At the same time, population growth, urbanisation and the expansion of manufacturing are increasing the need for additional generating capacity.
According to OPEC’s outlook released this year, Africa’s total energy consumption is projected to rise by approximately two-thirds by 2050 compared with 2025 levels. Meeting this growing demand will require substantial investment, long-term planning and a realistic assessment of the energy resources and technologies available to individual countries.
Given this, natural gas has an important role to play in supporting industrialisation and improving living standards. It provides a reliable source of electricity, supplies heat for industrial facilities and serves as a feedstock for fertiliser production and the gas chemical industry. Its contribution to expanding access to cleaner cooking solutions is equally significant. By offering households an alternative to traditional biomass fuels, natural gas can help reduce indoor air pollution and improve public health.
Gas-fired power plants can also complement renewable energy sources by providing the flexibility needed to balance fluctuations in solar and wind generation. Where natural gas replaces coal, the use of efficient equipment, together with effective methane leak detection and control, can substantially reduce the environmental impact of energy production. Realising these benefits, however, requires more than the availability of gas itself. Pipelines, receiving terminals and distribution networks must connect production sites with domestic consumers, industrial centres and regional markets.
Russia believes that the transition towards a cleaner economy must take into account the actual capabilities, economic circumstances and development priorities of each country. An accelerated phase-out of conventional energy sources before adequate replacement capacity, energy storage facilities and supporting infrastructure are available risks deepening shortages, increasing electricity tariffs and undermining energy security. Assessments by international industry organisations, including OPEC and the GECF, point to continued substantial demand for hydrocarbons over the long term, while highlighting the risks of insufficient investment in production.
Climate objectives should therefore be pursued through technological progress, improvements in energy efficiency and the gradual development of appropriate infrastructure, while ensuring that essential energy services remain affordable and accessible. A successful energy transition must be measured not only by environmental indicators, but also by its ability to support economic development, strengthen energy security and improve quality of life.
Russia has considerable experience that we are prepared to share with our African partners in addressing these challenges. Our own energy sector has demonstrated that reliable supplies depend not only on abundant natural resources, but also on advanced technologies, modern infrastructure and the capacity to develop solutions under demanding geographical and climatic conditions.
The Russian side is ready to cooperate in geological exploration, the development of challenging reserves, gas processing, liquefied natural gas supplies, and the construction and modernisation of power plants. Russia also possesses substantial experience in managing interconnected electricity grids, harnessing hydropower and extending energy supplies to remote communities.
For us, the value of such cooperation lies in the lasting results it produces. Technologies and expertise should help African countries develop domestic industries, strengthen their energy security and create a solid foundation for sustainable economic growth. This means paying particular attention to skills development, technology transfer, local industrial participation and the training of national specialists who can operate, maintain and further develop the infrastructure being built.
A notable example of this integrated approach is the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, currently under construction by Rosatom in Egypt. Its four generating units, with a combined capacity of 4 800 megawatts, are designed to make a substantial contribution to the country’s electricity supply and help strengthen its industrial base for decades to come. The project encompasses not only the construction of the plant, but also nuclear fuel supplies, operational support and personnel training.
Russia also sees considerable potential for cooperation with South Africa in the gas sector, the modernisation of electricity grids, improvements in the efficiency of existing thermal power generation and the application of nuclear technologies. Such cooperation must be guided by South Africa’s own priorities and development needs, including the imperatives of economic growth, job creation and access to affordable utility services.
The most productive partnerships are those built on a clear understanding of the interests of all parties. Each country has its own economic structure, resource base and development trajectory. Respect for these differences, combined with a willingness to identify practical solutions, provides the strongest foundation for long-term cooperation.
Ultimately, energy cooperation is about people. Building a power plant, developing a gas field or supplying advanced industrial equipment is important, but the benefits of such projects should extend far beyond the infrastructure itself. They should leave behind skilled engineers, stronger local industries, expanded employment opportunities and better prospects for future generations.
This is why Russia attaches particular importance to education, professional training, joint research and closer ties between universities. Our African partners should have not only access to modern technologies, but also the knowledge and capabilities required to operate, maintain and develop them independently. We believe that genuine partnership rests on mutual respect, shared responsibility and recognition of every nation’s sovereign right to determine its own path of development.
Roman Ambarov is Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Republic of South Africa
The views expressed do not necessarily represent those of IOL