Marina Bazhenova: Africa Should Be Able to Tell Its Own Story
The third Russia–Africa Summit is taking place in Moscow this week. Participants are focusing on trade and investment, food and energy security, digitalization, and technological partnerships.
Marina Bazhenova, a journalist and media blogger, spoke to the IT Russia media platform about how technology can help people with everyday tasks, what technological progress should look like for society, and what forms of cooperation with Africa could develop into long-term partnerships.
– Today, technology is becoming more than a tool for economic development. It is also a way to help people with everyday tasks, from accessing education and medical care to using government services and staying connected to the world.
In my view, the key question is how to make technological progress accessible to society. Artificial intelligence and digital platforms offer significant opportunities, but new solutions must address people’s actual needs. At the same time, every country should have a choice in which technologies to use, how to protect its data, and how to develop its own digital infrastructure.
During the Russia–Africa Summit, it is especially important to discuss not only economic ties but also practical cooperation. Joint development projects, knowledge sharing, training of professionals, and digital services could form the basis of a long-term partnership. Independent payment solutions also matter, as they can help expand trade and simplify transactions between countries.
The information sphere is equally important. In the digital world, news and opinions spread instantly, making it essential to develop professional media outlets, support information exchange, and learn to distinguish reliable information from disinformation. Africa, in particular, should be able to tell its own story, including its culture, achievements, and development priorities.
