Russia is deepening its military and diplomatic ties with Africa, reaching a new milestone of $4 billion in defence exports through Rosoboronexport, its state arms company. The firm now has contracts with 46 African nations, highlighting Moscow’s growing influence across the continent. As African countries modernise their militaries and distance themselves from former colonial powers like France, Russia has become a key defence partner. From Mali and Burkina Faso to the Central African Republic and Sudan, Russian arms and cooperation are reshaping regional security. With nearly 40% of Africa’s arms imports coming from Moscow, Russia’s footprint continues to expand.