Ahmed Azimov: Algeria is a Strategic Link in the Russia–Africa Energy Partnership

Chairman of the Russian-Algerian Business Council Ahmed Azimov Speaks at the “Russia–Africa: Trends and Prospects for Energy Cooperation” Session at the Oil & Gas Forum 2025

Ahmed Azimov, Chairman of the Russian-Algerian Business Council under the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation, took part in the strategic session “Russia–Africa: Trends and Prospects for Energy Cooperation,” held as part of the Oil & Gas Forum 2025 in Moscow.

In his speech, he emphasized that Russia is already one of the few global players capable of offering African countries not only energy resources but also a full cycle of technological, engineering, and educational partnership. According to him, sustained interest in Russian approaches is based on a combination of flexibility, reliability, readiness for long-term cooperation, and a focus on joint infrastructure development.

The key competitive advantages of Russia as an energy partner for Africa were identified as:

– access to a wide range of technologies in extraction, processing, and power generation,

– experience in delivering turnkey projects in challenging conditions,

– opportunities for localization and workforce training,

– respect for the interests and sovereignty of partner countries.

Ahmed Azimov paid special attention to Algeria’s role as a strategic link in the energy dialogue between Russia and Africa. According to him, Algeria’s energy and logistics potential, along with its geopolitical position, make it a natural platform for launching joint multilateral projects.

He also welcomed the initiative to establish a “Russia–Africa” Energy Coordination Office, noting that Algeria is one of the most logical and promising candidates to host such a structure, given its experience, diplomatic positioning, and infrastructure.

Among the priority areas for Russian-Algerian cooperation, he highlighted:

– LNG and oilfield services projects,

– localization of production and technological solutions,

– creation of joint training and engineering centers,

– exchange of regulatory and project expertise.

“Energy is not just an industry. It is a strategic locomotive that drives everything else — industry, logistics, education, and finance,” he concluded.