World meat industry news

In 2023, the level of agricultural exports to Africa increased by a quarter and amounted to almost $6 billion. This was announced on Thursday, June 6, by Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation Sergei Levin during the “Russia – Africa” session at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

“Our exports to Africa grew by a quarter last year to nearly $6 billion, 80% of which was wheat,” Levin said.

He noted that Russia is now increasing food purchases in Africa; last year alone “they have already crossed the level of $2.1 billion.”

“The dynamics of this year emphasize this, because in January – April 2024 we have already traded with each other about $3 billion and even more,” the deputy minister emphasized.

Earlier in the day, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, announced Africa's vision of prospects in cooperation with Russia. In her opinion, African countries are grateful to the Russian Federation for its assistance in the struggle for independence. The diplomat noted that there are states on the continent that are still in the process of building their society and their internal politics.

Prior to this, on May 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that African states are playing an increasingly important role in finding solutions to problems on the international agenda. He noted that the African Union is forming mechanisms for collective response to local conflicts and crisis situations.

The 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum takes place from June 5 to 8. The main theme is “The basis of multipolarity is the formation of new centers of growth.” Over 17 thousand people from 136 countries will take part in the forum.