Russia expands scholarships for African in higher education push

Russia has announced a significant increase in scholarships for African students, continuing its efforts to strengthen ties with the continent through education and research.

Under the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum’s 2023-26 action plan, Russia is ramping up educational opportunities, including an expansion of state-funded scholarships for African citizens.

“We commend the implementation of major projects by the Russian Federation and the African continent, including the steady increase in the quotas of state scholarships granted by the Russian Federation to African citizens to study at Russian higher education institutions,” the joint statement noted.

This initiative reflects Russia’s growing commitment to education partnerships in Africa. For the upcoming academic year, Russia will offer 4,816 scholarships, up from 4,746 in 2024-25, benefiting students from 11 African countries. The total number of African students in Russian universities has surged from 35,000 in 2023 to an expected 40,000 in 2024, tripling over the last decade.

The action plan, aimed at deepening educational exchanges and scientific collaboration, includes the establishment of Russian education centers across Africa and the promotion of Russian and African language learning. However, experts like Dr. Harris Andoh, a higher education researcher in Ghana, warn that the initiative may face challenges, including a lack of clear financial commitments and a narrow focus on national governments, which could limit the program’s broader success.

Despite these concerns, Russia’s increased focus on education as a tool of diplomacy underscores its desire to counterbalance Western influence in Africa, even as it grapples with declining soft power due to global political tensions.