Benin seeks Russian partnerships in agriculture and energy
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on La Nouvelle Tribune
At the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow on 28 and 29 October 2026, Benin’s Vice-President Mariam Chabi Talata outlined the sectors in which Cotonou wants to strengthen partnerships with Moscow. She cited agriculture, energy, health, education and digital technology, according to remarks after the summit.
Benin wants to strengthen its cooperation with Russia in agriculture and energy, while extending it to health, education and digital technology. Benin’s Vice-President Mariam Chabi Talata said this after the Russia-Africa summit held in Moscow on 28 and 29 October 2026, according to La Nouvelle Tribune.
Cotonou particularly wants to secure its fertiliser supplies, consolidate its food reserves and develop outlets for locally processed African products. Mariam Chabi Talata called for productive investment and tangible results for African businesses and communities.
The vice-president also advocated processing Africa’s natural resources to support industrialisation, the creation of added value and economic sovereignty. The Kremlin said 48 African countries had taken part in the third edition of the Russia-Africa summit.
The statement follows Mariam Chabi Talata’s participation in the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow, announced on 28 October. Diplomatic relations between Benin and Russia date back to 1962, according to La Nouvelle Tribune.
