Russia expands veterinary partnerships across Africa

AFRICA – Russia is strengthening its presence in Africa’s livestock sector through veterinary cooperation, vaccine partnerships and technical support programmes, as Moscow seeks to deepen agricultural ties and expand market opportunities for animal health products and livestock exports across the continent.

The latest development came on June 18 when a Russian delegation met officials from Burkina Faso’s General Directorate of Veterinary Services (DGSV) to explore cooperation in animal health.

According to the DGSV, discussions focused on the supply of veterinary vaccines against Newcastle disease and rabies, as well as opportunities for technology transfer, local vaccine production, and capacity building for veterinary professionals.

The talks reflect a broader Russian strategy that increasingly combines scientific collaboration, animal health support and agricultural trade engagement in Africa.

Veterinary cooperation gains momentum

Russia has expanded veterinary partnerships with several African countries over the past two years.

In November 2025, Russian officials opened discussions with Nigeria on veterinary vaccine supply, investments in the livestock sector, and technology transfer.

The talks also explored opportunities for local production of vaccines and veterinary products, as well as investments in cold chain infrastructure and livestock development.

Earlier, in May 2025, Russia signed a scientific and technical cooperation agreement with the Central African Republic focused on veterinary medicine.

Under the agreement, Russia’s VNIIZh Veterinary Center committed to cooperation on vaccine development, veterinary medicines and animal disease diagnostics.

The partnership also includes joint research programmes and exchanges of biological materials.

These initiatives position Russia not only as a supplier of veterinary products but also as a scientific partner in animal health research and disease control efforts across Africa.

The expansion of veterinary cooperation coincides with growing Russian exports of animal protein products to Africa.

According to Agroexport, Russia’s federal agricultural export promotion agency, poultry meat exports to Africa more than doubled in 2025 to approximately 35,000 tonnes.

Key destinations included Benin, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ghana.

The agency attributed part of the growth to access to new markets such as the Central African Republic and Sudan.

Industry observers note that stronger veterinary relationships can help support broader agricultural trade by building trust, improving regulatory cooperation and facilitating market access.

Africa’s growing protein demand attracts suppliers

Africa continues to represent one of the fastest-growing markets for imported animal protein.

According to data compiled by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), poultry meat and offal imports increased from 2 million tonnes in 2020 to 2.44 million tonnes in 2024.

The value of those imports rose by 37% over the same period to US$2.63 billion.

The growing demand has attracted major exporters including Brazil, the United States and the European Union.

Russia is now seeking a larger share of that market through a combination of veterinary cooperation, technical partnerships and livestock trade.

Analysts say the strategy could help Moscow diversify its agricultural exports to Africa beyond traditional commodities such as wheat, cereals and fertilisers.

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