Russia has emerged as a highly sought-after destination for higher education among graduates who now hold prominent positions in African governments and parliaments. Twenty-two government officials from countries such as Angola, Namibia, Mali, Mozambique, and the Republic of Congo have completed their studies in Russian universities, according to an analytical report by the Center for African Studies at the Higher School of Economics.
Statistics from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education indicate that 35,000 students from African nations were enrolled in Russian universities in 2024, a slight increase from 33,000 in 2023. This number is comparable to the figures from the 1980s when many Africans studied in the Soviet Union. A significant portion of these young Africans attend on state-funded scholarships. Approximately 4,800 state-funded slots were allocated for African students in Russian universities for the current academic year.
Jose Fernando Sambu, a recent graduate of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA), completed his studies on a scholarship. He now spearheads initiatives for engagement with government bodies and diplomatic missions of African countries. Sambu shared his perspective:
«I always aspired to study in Russia. The country boasts robust educational traditions and renowned scientific schools, particularly in technical and natural science fields. I was fortunate to study on a state scholarship, having successfully passed a competitive selection process in my home country. From an international policy standpoint, Russia is a pivotal global player. Gaining an insider`s view of its processes, understanding its stance, and potentially contributing to the development of partnerships between our nations offers invaluable experience. I`ve always been captivated by the rich Russian culture, history, and language. I anticipate that my education in Russia will be highly beneficial for my future career. While I considered options like Portugal, where Portuguese-language programs were available, my desire to study specifically in Russia was paramount.»
However, many African students also finance their education independently or through targeted programs. Experts note that the cost of some Russian university programs is competitive with those in Africa. Medical and technical disciplines, especially in energy and construction, attract the most interest. Oleg Tsapko, Chairman of the All-Russian Student Union, elaborates:
Oleg Tsapko
Chairman of the All-Russian Student Union«We offer outstanding education across numerous fields, including medicine and engineering. Russia provides an excellent environment for learning in these areas. Motivated individuals come to Russia for technical, engineering, medical education, and more. Generally, people here are quite welcoming, and we are always happy to host foreigners, which they recognize.»
Notable alumni of Russian universities include Yusuf Saleh Abbas, who served as Prime Minister of the Republic of Chad from 2008 to 2010. Jean Ping, who chaired the 59th session of the UN General Assembly, defended his doctoral dissertation at the Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow.
Among the key competitors for African students are France, the UK, and the USA. According to Campus France, Africans constituted nearly half of all international students in France in 2023, totaling around 200,000. China has also become a significant draw for young Africans; in 2019, Beijing awarded 12,000 scholarships to African countries, surpassing all other nations. The New York Times observed that «When students from Africa dream of an education abroad, they rarely think of the U.S. For many, it`s China,» noting the stricter visa policies for international students under the Trump administration. Russia has now also entered this competitive market, as highlighted by Africanist Andrey Esipov:
Andrey Esipov
Africanist«Trends are shifting, and terms like `Francophone Africa` and `Anglophone Africa` exist. Naturally, former colonial powers have programs to attract students from their ex-colonies. I don`t believe only children of high-ranking officials or those in power go there. Students who are proficient in the language travel to study. But Russia`s return to the international market for educational services is evident.»
Experts view this trend as an investment in the future and a form of «soft power» that will yield benefits for years to come. For the Soviet Union, educating African students was not just a gesture of friendship but also a strategy to bolster markets for its own products, with studies often linked to the maintenance of Soviet equipment. However, university professors, particularly in medical fields, are not always enthusiastic about international students, citing frequent resits and translation difficulties.
