Russia argues it will not contribute to Africa’s brain drain in the same way the West often does. This stance was echoed by Oleg Ozerov, ambassador for the Russian Foreign Ministry and head of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum secretariat. The remark was reported by TASS.
He pointed out that, when examining the composition of personnel trained in Western environments, there are alarmingly few specialists in natural sciences such as physics, chemistry, and biology within Africa.
According to the diplomat, many African professionals tend to remain abroad, primarily in Western countries. He described this continued outward movement of talent as a form of neocolonialism. He also noted that the long-standing exploitation of Africa through slave trade and resource extraction has, in his view, evolved into a newer phase of exploitation through knowledge and skills transfer, which he termed a kind of “brainwashing.”
Ozerov asserted that Russia is interested in fostering the education of highly skilled personnel who can contribute to Africa’s development.
He stressed that the continent needs mathematicians, physicists, engineers, and biologists who can help position Africa as a new center of growth and innovation.
The second Russia-Africa summit and economic forum is planned for July 27–28 in Saint Petersburg. Journalists cited a spokesperson as confirming that active preparations are underway for the event.
Earlier, discussions touched on Russia’s sovereign assets frozen within the European Union, with officials citing ongoing political and economic considerations affecting such measures.