Conference: “Africa at 65 Years of Decolonisation: Historical Reflections and Forward-Looking Scenarios”

On February 20, 2025, the All-Russian Conference titled “Africa at 65 Years of Decolonisation: Historical Reflections and Forward-Looking Scenarios” took place. The event was organized by the Department of Asian and African Studies and featured a plenary session as well as two breakout sessions, during which a total of 31 papers were presented. The conference brought together representatives from the Institute of African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Institute of General History of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Institute of China and Modern Asia of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lomonosov Moscow State University, the Russian State University for the Humanities, as well as institutions based in St. Petersburg and Yaroslavl. Notably, the event was also attended by Kinfu Zenebe Tafesse, Counsellor to the Ambassador of Ethiopia to Russia.

The conference presentations highlighted Africa’s potential to emerge as one of the most significant centers of human development in the 21st century. Key factors supporting this potential include its substantial demographic resources, abundant natural wealth and two decades of rapid economic growth across African nations. However, participants also underscored persistent challenges, such as the enduring legacy of neo-colonialism, the structural fragility of political systems and the ambitions of powerful Western nations, which continue to perceive Africa as a sphere of influence. As the current unipolar world order undergoes dissolution, the continent is seen as having the opportunity to evolve into another pivotal pole in the emerging global landscape.

Furthermore, the conference emphasized the importance of strengthening the historically amicable relations between African nations and Russia, dating back to the Soviet era. Russia was described as a potential key ally for African countries, which regard it as a leader in countering the prolonged dominance of Western hegemony.

The discussions at the conference examined the trajectory of Africa’s development over the past 65 years, focusing on the ways African nations have addressed challenges related to security, economics, politics and culture. Particular attention was devoted to issues surrounding Russian-African cooperation, as well as African countries’ interactions with other international partners, including China, Turkey and Japan.

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