Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Russia has officially designated Egypt as its largest trade and economic partner on the African continent, highlighting a deepening alliance that now spans energy, agriculture, tourism, and diplomacy. Bilateral trade between the two nations is expected to exceed $9 billion in 2025, marking a significant milestone as they celebrate 82 years of diplomatic relations.
Central to this partnership is the construction of Egypt’s first nuclear power plant, El-Dabaa, a flagship infrastructure project being developed by Russia’s state-owned nuclear agency, Rosatom. Launched in 2022, the plant symbolizes Moscow’s long-term strategic commitment to Cairo, both in terms of energy investment and geopolitical cooperation.
The Russian Foreign Ministry noted the growing scope of cooperation, stating that Egypt holds a “vital position” in Moscow’s engagement with Africa. This sentiment is supported by rising trade figures and a series of high-level meetings between officials from both countries. The energy sector, particularly nuclear power, has emerged as the cornerstone of their collaboration.
Expanding Diplomatic Presence and Tourism Ties
Diplomatic engagement is also intensifying. In June 2025, Russia announced the opening of a new consulate in Sharm el-Sheikh, one of Egypt’s premier Red Sea resort cities. Approved by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, the new consulate is expected to support the significant flow of Russian tourists to Egypt and broaden Moscow’s diplomatic footprint in the region.
This development complements existing Russian consulates in Alexandria and Hurghada, enhancing consular services for Russian citizens and solidifying Russia’s presence across Egypt’s Mediterranean and Red Sea coastlines.
El-Dabaa: A Strategic Energy Pivot
The El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant stands as the centerpiece of the Egypt-Russia relationship. The plant is expected to significantly enhance Egypt’s electricity generation capacity, diversify its energy portfolio, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. For Russia, the project reinforces its influence in Africa’s strategic infrastructure and showcases Rosatom’s role as a global nuclear exporter.
By investing in Egypt’s long-term energy needs, Russia is not only fostering economic ties but also embedding itself in the country’s future development trajectory. The partnership also serves Russia’s broader geopolitical objective of cultivating non-Western alliances amid shifting global alignments.
Agriculture: A Quiet Economic Powerhouse
While nuclear energy garners much of the spotlight, agricultural trade between Russia and Egypt has quietly become another pillar of the bilateral relationship. In 2024, Russia’s agricultural exports to Africa rose by 19%, reaching over $7 billion, with Egypt accounting for a substantial share of that growth.
According to Agroexport, Egypt increased its imports of Russian agricultural products by 21% in 2024. Wheat remains the top commodity, but Egypt also imports Russian sunflower oil, soybean oil, legumes, flax seeds, molasses, and yeast, among other goods.
Egypt is now the largest importer of Russian food products in Africa, a development that strengthens mutual food security interests and provides a buffer against global supply chain disruptions.
Strategic Coordination on the Global Stage
Beyond bilateral cooperation, Russia and Egypt continue to align closely in international forums. The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized that the two countries “maintain regular contacts at the highest level” and will sustain close coordination in the United Nations and other multilateral institutions.
This growing alignment comes as Russia seeks to build strategic alternatives to its traditional Western partners, with Egypt emerging as a reliable ally in Africa and the broader Middle East.
As 2024 draws to a close, the Egypt-Russia relationship appears poised for further expansion, underpinned by mutual economic interests, shared geopolitical concerns, and an ambitious nuclear project that could redefine energy cooperation on the continent.
