Ethiopia: Addis Ababa to host Russia-Africa International Forum on April 22-23

A strategic meeting for media cooperation

The Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, will host the Russia-Africa International Journalists Forum on Tuesday, April 22 and Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Under the theme “Russia-Africa: The Path of Friendship and Cooperation ,” this event aims to establish a lasting space for exchange between African and Russian media. The initiative is part of the broader dynamic of strengthening Russian-African relations, particularly in the media and diplomatic spheres.

A strong international presence

Journalists and media representatives from several African countries, including Botswana, Ghana, Guinea, Cameroon, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Ethiopia, will participate in the forum. The event is organized by the Russia-based Alpha Dialogue Center , with support from the Gorchakov Fund for Public Diplomacy .

A lever of Russian soft power on the continent

The forum is taking place at a time when Moscow is multiplying initiatives to expand its media influence in Africa. According to French researcher Maxime Audinet, between 2019 and 2023, 22 cooperation agreements were recorded between Russian media outlets such as Russia Today (RT) and Sputnik and various African media outlets, whether public, state-owned, or private. This strategy, shared by other powers such as China and Turkey, is based on the dissemination of free content, perceived as more accessible and credible than that offered by Western agencies at rates often unaffordable for African media.

Cooperation that raises questions

While this media rapprochement may foster a diversity of viewpoints, it also raises concerns. In a tense geopolitical climate, Russia is regularly accused of using its state media as propaganda tools to influence public opinion. This strategy of disseminating information through local media thus raises questions about the editorial independence of African partners and the risk of disinformation .

Conclusion

The Russia-Africa Forum in Addis Ababa illustrates Moscow’s desire to strengthen its ties with the African continent through media and public diplomacy. While the initiative can foster international cooperation and the sharing of journalistic experiences, it also invites a broader reflection on the media sovereignty of African countries and the challenges related to the plurality of information in an increasingly polarized geopolitical landscape. This will help foster economic growth while protecting ecosystems weakened by climate change.