Russian companies Yango, Rosatom and Nordgold expand operations across Africa despite sanctions
Russian firms including Yango, Rosatom and Nordgold are growing their business in African transport, nuclear energy and mining, highlighting how Moscow is building economic ties on the continent despite Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine.
Russian companies are extending their reach in African markets even as Western sanctions seek to limit Moscow’s global influence after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
According to The Africa Report, firms such as Yango, Rosatom and Nordgold are continuing to expand across the continent. Their activities span transport, nuclear energy and mining, with Rosatom advancing uranium-related and nuclear projects.
Rosatom’s work on uranium and nuclear power gives Russia long-term roles in partner countries’ energy systems. Nordgold’s gold mining operations tie Moscow into African resource sectors at a time when gold remains important for Russia’s financial resilience under sanctions.
Yango’s transport and associated services embed Russian-linked platforms in African urban economies, shaping how people and goods move.
For Western governments, the continued growth of these firms in Africa underlines the limits of sanctions as a tool for isolating Russia. For African states, Russian investment and technology provide alternatives to Western and Chinese offers, but also deepen exposure to geopolitical competition.
Key signals to watch include new Rosatom agreements on uranium and nuclear projects, Nordgold’s role in African gold output, and any pushback or regulatory action from African governments facing pressure from both Moscow and Western partners.
Sources
- OSINT