In the coming days, deliveries of free grain from Russia to Africa will begin. Bloomberg claims that with this step the Russian Federation wants to strengthen its influence on the African continent.
IN publications It is noted that Russia’s desire to strengthen ties with African countries by expanding trade and sending Wagner PMC mercenaries to support unstable governments follows attempts by the United States and its allies to isolate the Russian Federation in response to the invasion of Ukraine. However, Africa remains a low-profile player, with just $18 billion in bilateral trade with the continent in 2022.
At the same time, the agency notes, studies presented at a conference in Cape Town, organized by the foundation of former South African President Thabo Mbeki, tried to change the opinion that the Russian Federation bears the main responsibility for rising food prices.
Direct and indirect sanctions imposed on Russia and Belarus reduced global supplies of fertilizers and ammonia by 40.8 million tons by April 2023, according to a study supported by the foundation of Russian billionaire Andrei Melnichenko. Russian fertilizers have not been hit by international sanctions, but fines imposed on owners of companies that produce them and restrictions from the banking and logistics industries led to a drop in exports last year. It subsequently recovered, leading to lower prices.
An analysis of the impact of the Black Sea grain deal showed that it helped feed about 95 million people, but did not ensure the unimpeded flow of fertilizers from Russia to world markets.
The publication also notes that billionaire Melnichenko visited South Africa at the end of last year with the aim of lobbying politicians to support his request to EU solve problems with the supply of fertilizers.
More Stories
Today the world remembers the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant
A trial has begun in the case of a fatal accident involving Dora Bakoyanni's car.
Poll: which European countries are ready to defend their homeland to the last