The Kremlin is seeking to revive its economic presence on the African continent as the third Russia‑Africa summit opens in Moscow. Russian firms such as Yango, Rosatom and Nordgold are reportedly expanding their operations in Africa despite international sanctions. In Niger, the uranium sector illustrates the complex dynamics. The French company Orano’s subsidiary Somaïr was nationalised by the Nigerien government, and in August the state reassigned its mining permits to state‑owned enterprises. Niger has since taken further steps to strengthen ties with Russia, including a memorandum of understanding between the local company Timersoi and Uranium One, a subsidiary of Rosatom. However, no sales contract has yet been confirmed. The article is written by Alix Lavoué, a journalist specialising in macro‑economics.
Article source: JeuneAfrique | Image credit: JeuneAfrique