Russian Firms Expand Transport, Nuclear, and Mining Projects Across Africa Despite Sanctions
Russian companies including Yango, Rosatom and Nordgold are growing their operations across Africa even under Western sanctions linked to the war in Ukraine. The push into transport, nuclear energy and mining is reshaping economic ties and giving Moscow added leverage in a region courted by multiple outside powers.
Russian business activity in Africa is widening, as several major firms build up their presence in transport, nuclear energy, and mining despite Western sanctions.
According to The Africa Report, companies such as Yango, Rosatom, and Nordgold are expanding across multiple African states. Yango is broadening its technology and mobility services, including ride-hailing and logistics platforms in African cities. Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear company, is advancing uranium-related projects and promoting nuclear power options. Nordgold and other mining outfits are consolidating their positions in gold and other resource extraction.
This growth underscores how sanctions imposed after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine have not stopped Moscow from pursuing opportunities in markets where Western leverage is limited. African regulators and governments still see potential benefits in Russian capital, technology, and, in some cases, security cooperation.
For people on the ground, the impact runs from drivers using Yango-branded apps to miners working at Russian-linked sites and communities living near future nuclear projects. Transport platforms can affect how drivers earn money and how local regulators handle foreign data and competition. In mining areas, Russian investment can bring new jobs and infrastructure but also raises concerns about environmental damage, labor conditions, and who captures the profits.
For Russia, Africa offers both economic and strategic advantages. Rosatom’s uranium and nuclear ventures embed Russian technology and expertise into national energy planning, locking in long-term relationships. Mining and logistics projects provide revenues that are less exposed to Western oversight and can intersect with security arrangements in some countries.
Western officials worry that a deeper Russian footprint on the continent could soften the impact of sanctions and translate into political support in international forums. States benefiting from Russian investment or security ties may be more cautious about backing measures against Moscow.
African governments face a balancing act. Russian offers of financing, infrastructure, and security support come with fewer public conditions on governance or human rights, but also with the risk of friction with Western partners. Decisions on nuclear deals, mining concessions, and digital services will shape how much room Russia has to maneuver.
Key developments to watch include any new Rosatom agreements on uranium or power projects, signs that Yango is entering more African markets, and potential U.S. or European steps aimed at Russian corporate activity in Africa. Reactions from African regional bodies to calls for tighter oversight of these ventures will help show how far Moscow can deepen its role under ongoing sanctions.
Sources
- OSINT