For decades, education has been a powerful bridge between Russia and Africa, shaping generations of professionals and leaders.
The Soviet Union’s investment in international knowledge exchange laid the foundation for enduring partnerships, and today, Russia continues to attract African students in growing numbers.
More than just a destination for higher learning, Russia offers affordability, academic excellence, and a strong network of alumni who serve as cultural and professional ambassadors.
Interestingly, personal recommendations – driven by nostalgia, shared experiences, and a deep emotional connection – play a crucial role in influencing new applicants, proving that education is not just about knowledge but also about lasting relationships.
For many African students, studying in Russia isn’t just a personal choice; it’s a legacy passed down through generations.
Dr. Issa Togo from Mali, now an associate professor at the SPbPU Institute of Civil Engineering, St. Petersburg, who once had countless options but chose the USSR, recalls: I knew next to nothing about the USSR.
I just had a general idea of socialism and capitalism. If I wished, I could continue my education in France, Italy, or Germany.
But my choice was partly influenced by my brother’s advice: You will always have a chance to go to these countries. You should start with getting to know the Soviet Union.
Older classmates and alumni, who once walked the same path, eagerly recommend their universities, fostering tight-knit diasporas within Russian institutions.
They form an important “capital” for Russia, as they become carriers of the Russian cultural and educational brand and often participate actively in educational and scientific exchanges.
From 1960 to 1992, the USSR trained over 40,000 qualified professionals for Sub-Saharan Africa. The majority of students, 87%, received higher education, studying at universities and institutes across various Soviet republics.
The largest number of African graduates came from institutions in the Russian SFSR and the Ukrainian SSR. In Soviet education, Africans valued applied specialties that would make them sought-after professionals in their home countries.
Engineering and technical professions were the most popular, followed by agriculture, veterinary medicine, and medicine. The latter, in particular, was the most desirable field for postgraduate students.
Statistics from the final years of the USSR, from 1980 to 1991, show which African countries sent the most students to the USSR, including Ethiopia, Congo-Brazzaville, Madagascar, Nigeria, Mali, and Ghana.
This is not an isolated example; many other African leaders also studied in the USSR.
The list includes former Central African Republic President Michel Djotodia, former Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga, and current Congo-Brazzaville Foreign Minister Jean-Claude Gakosso, among others.
It is important to know that most of Mali’s top officials were trained in the USSR, both in military and civilian fields, including several staff members of the Malian Embassy in Moscow and the former prime minister, notes Souleymane Kante, a PhD student from Mali majoring in international relations at RUDN.
Many university rectors and professors in Mali also received their qualifications in the USSR. The legacy of Soviet education in Africa continues to shape the continent’s professional and political landscape.
Over the decades, thousands of African students have pursued higher education in the USSR and later in Russia, returning home with valuable knowledge, professional skills, and a deep understanding of Russian culture.
Many have risen to influential roles in government, academia, and business, further solidifying the enduring bond between Russia and Africa.
Despite changing global dynamics, Russia’s educational allure remains as strong as ever. With its mix of affordability, high-quality education, and a legacy of successful alumni, the country continues to draw young Africans seeking opportunity abroad.
Russia’s investment in education serves as a strategic tool of diplomacy, ensuring that its presence in Africa extends far beyond trade.
RT. com / ABC Flash Point News 2025.
Soviet Union was not the country that was stealing resources form Africa and elsewhere but used own resources to rise and develop.
USSR also came form poor, backward and undeveloped Russia which was a good example that rise from extreme poverty to even middle prosperity is possible without exploiting others.
400,000 Africans studied in the Soviet Union from the late 50,s to the 1990,s there is a long list of African Russians achieving fame in Russia -well known names .
Just returned from South Africa yesterday, the USA last year and China a few years ago. I’ve think I’ve seen what a Capitalist system and a Communist system can do especially for developing/poor countries. Hopefully China can provide the help Africa needs as part of the BRICS and Belt and Road programs. The West had centuries there and achieved very little for the average African. The potential in South Africa is huge and it could be transformed as China was in a few generations. It should also not be forgotten what communism achieved in the USSR. They went from nothing… Read more »
Well written .
Yes very interesting times its not a curse but a blessing at least we will not be bored –the Doomsday clock is now 89 seconds .
Good point made, unfortunately millions are suffering due to this created capitalist minded landscape, so let hope indeed that times are changing into a more humane environment for the people on this left behind planet.
Yes the “landscape ” for us to live in is angled totally towards the rich and although we live in a modern technological society its geared towards treating us a consumers and when unproductive for any reason are looked on as a burden on society and “helped ” on our way out of it.