Russia launches maritime trade route, eyes African market
Russia is planning to launch a new shipping line aimed at exporting agricultural products, including grain seized from Ukraine, to Africa. This move is part of Moscow's broader strategy to strengthen relations with Nigeria and other African countries, according to Business Insider Africa.
Russia intends to initiate this new shipping line connecting Novorossiysk with Lagos, with the launch expected in mid-June. Business Insider Africa reports that this maritime connection is designed to facilitate the export of agricultural products, primarily grain from Ukraine, to Africa. Since Russia lacks a direct air connection with Nigeria, this initiative is crucial for its trade strategy.
New Russian connections for selling raw materials
The Kremlin also plans a route linking Novorossiysk and Dakar in Senegal, aimed at enabling the export of raw materials from Mali. Additionally, Russia is strengthening military relations with Nigeria. In March 2025, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-bek Yevkurov met with General Christopher Musa, Nigeria's Chief of Defense Staff, to discuss arms deliveries, building on the 2021 agreement.
Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, joined the BRICS group as a partner country in January, despite Western pressures. Russia is looking to play a leading role in this group as part of its strategy to expand regional influence. Although Nigeria had long resisted Russia, it is now enhancing its cooperation with the country.
It's worth recalling that reports of Russia exporting Ukrainian grain have surfaced since the beginning of the war. According to Ukraine, in 2023, Russians illegally exported at least 4 million tons of grain from the occupied territories. Before the Russian invasion, until February 2022, Ukrainians exported 6 million tons of grain monthly through Black Sea ports alone. In total, in 2024, Ukraine exported 47.6 million tons of grain, marking a 30 percent increase compared to 2023.
