Russia to expand grain exports to Africa via a new sea route
Russia plans to launch a new shipping line. The aim is to export agricultural products, including grains seized from Ukraine, to Africa. This is part of Moscow's broader strategy to strengthen relations with Nigeria and other African countries, reports Business Insider Africa.
Russia intends to launch a new shipping line connecting Novorossiysk with Lagos, set to start in mid-June. According to Business Insider Africa, this sea connection is intended to enable the export of agricultural products, including grains from Ukraine, to Africa. Russia does not have a direct air connection with Nigeria, which makes this initiative crucial for its trade strategy.
New Russian connections for raw material sales
The Kremlin also plans to connect Novorossiysk with Dakar in Senegal, which will facilitate the export of raw materials from Mali. Russia is also strengthening military relations with Nigeria. In March 2025, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-bek Yevkurov met with General Christopher Musa, Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, to discuss arms deliveries, continuing an agreement from 2021.
Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, joined the BRICS group as a partner country in January, despite Western pressures. Russia seeks to play a leading role in this group as part of its strategy to increase influence in the region. Nigeria has long resisted Russia, but is now enhancing cooperation.
It's worth noting that reports of Russia exporting Ukrainian grain have been surfacing since the beginning of the war. According to Ukraine, in 2023, the Russians illegally exported at least 4 million metric tonnes (approximately 4.4 million US tons) of grain from occupied territories. Before the Russian invasion, up until February 2022, Ukrainians were exporting 6 million metric tonnes (approximately 6.6 million US tons) of grain monthly through the Black Sea ports alone. In total, in 2024, Ukraine exported 47.6 million metric tonnes (approximately 52.5 million US tons) of grain, which was an increase of 30% compared to 2023.
