The Institute for Africa of the Russian Academy of Sciences celebrates its 66th anniversary

On 2 October 1959, the Presidium of the USSR Academy of Sciences issued a decree establishing the Institute of African Studies. This moment served as a powerful impetus for the development of African studies in Russia.

For many decades, scholars who decided to devote their lives to the African continent not only studied processes ‘in their offices,’ first on Starokonyushenny Lane and then on Spiridonovka, but also actively conducted research ‘in the field,’ both in Russia and in Africa — they went on expeditions, supported liberation movements, participated in and prepared summits, conferences, scientific seminars, and much, much more. It is worth mentioning here the organisation of the first and second Russia-Africa Summits, as well as the first ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum.

Thanks to the scientists at the Institute, Africa began to be perceived as a continent of opportunity rather than a geopolitical outsider. Employees of the Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences made a significant contribution to the development of the new Concept of Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation in Africa, adopted in 2023. Our Africanists have always been convinced that Africa is destined to become the continent of the 21st century.

Today, amid unprecedented pressure from Western countries, at a historic moment when attempts are being made to disrupt and undermine Russia's cooperation with the countries of the continent, the Institute of African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences continues to consistently fulfil its long-standing mission of promoting the development of truly equal and mutually beneficial relations between Russia and Africa.

Within the walls of the Institute, different generations of Africanists work side by side: wise and authoritative researchers whose names are already inscribed in the history of science, and energetic young people burning with the desire to strengthen Russia's ties with Africa. Together, they see this work not simply as a scientific task, but as a high calling and a duty to the future.