Azerbaijan strengthens ties with Africa The Continent of Progress

Africa is one of the most promising regions in the world, with vast economic, political, and strategic potential. Its importance is driven by key factors such as abundant natural resources, a growing market, and the development prospects of the agricultural sector—60% of the world's arable land is located in Africa, yet much of it remains underutilized. Without exaggeration, Africa is the continent of the future. Mutually beneficial cooperation with African countries opens up vast opportunities for the development of trade, technology, security, and humanitarian initiatives.

It is no surprise that Africa has become a battleground for strategic rivalry between China, the United States, the EU, Russia, Türkiye, and the countries of the Persian Gulf. China, for instance, is actively investing in Africa’s infrastructure and energy sectors.

Azerbaijan, within its capabilities, is also making every effort to strengthen partnerships with African countries. Azerbaijan and African nations have significant potential for economic cooperation in energy, mining, defense, and humanitarian sectors. The most active economic ties are with Tunisia, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, and Kenya. Negotiations are also underway to expand energy cooperation with the Republic of Congo.

The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) is actively developing cooperation with the Republic of Congo, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, and other countries. Additionally, talks are ongoing about partnerships in the mining sector with Congo, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. Cooperation in the economic and defense spheres is being planned with Guinea-Bissau, as highlighted in the recent meeting between President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Guinea-Bissau Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who is in Baku on an official visit.

One of the promising areas is the export of Azerbaijani military products. During the visit of the President of Somalia to Azerbaijan, a document on defense cooperation was signed, and a demonstration of Azerbaijani-made military equipment was held.

African countries are showing significant interest in implementing the ASAN service model, which has already been successfully introduced in Uganda. Memoranda of cooperation have been signed with Morocco, Uganda, and Ethiopia, and similar negotiations are underway with Tanzania, Gambia, and Zimbabwe.

A particularly significant boost in relations was observed during Azerbaijan's chairmanship in the Non-Aligned Movement. The holding of the 18th Summit of Heads of State and Government of Non-Aligned Movement member countries in 2019 in Baku facilitated the establishment of new partnerships and opened up new prospects for cooperation.

Further strengthening of relations occurred during meetings between African leaders at COP29 in Baku, as well as through high-level visits from delegations from Egypt, Algeria, Congo, and Somalia.

Azerbaijan actively supports the fight of African countries against neocolonial influence. International conferences are regularly held in Baku, where issues of human rights and the independence of former colonies are discussed.

Cooperation in the field of education is also an important direction. In the 2023/2024 academic year, 365 students from 35 African countries studied in Azerbaijan. In 2023, the Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program was established, offering African students the opportunity to study in Azerbaijan free of charge.

Humanitarian aid to Africa remains a priority. Azerbaijan is among the top 20 donor countries providing humanitarian assistance to African states. Through the AIDA agency and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, programs of medical and technical assistance are being implemented. Azerbaijan also supports African countries in mine clearance, cooperating with nations facing mine hazards, such as Angola, Chad, the DRC, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mali, and others.

Thus, Azerbaijan's relations with Africa continue to develop dynamically, covering an increasingly broad range of cooperation and opening new prospects for partnership. The African continent represents a locomotive of global economic and technological progress, and Azerbaijan is undoubtedly determined not to miss this train.