Dmitry Kobylkin: For Russia and Africa, Technological Independence Is Linked to the Efficient Use of Natural Resources
On October 28–29, 2026, Moscow will host the third Russia–Africa Summit and the Economic and Humanitarian Forum. Participants are expected to discuss the development of trade and investment ties, food and energy security, digitalization, and technological cooperation.
Ahead of the event, Dmitry Kobylkin, chairman of the State Duma Committee on Ecology, Natural Resources, and Environmental Protection, spoke to the IT Russia media platform about how technological independence relates to the use of natural resources, why mining companies face increasingly stringent requirements, and what joint projects could be discussed at the summit.
– The 2nd Global Digital Forum, held in Moscow, brought questions of technological independence and international cooperation to the forefront. For Russia and African countries, these issues are linked not only to digital solutions but also to the efficient use of natural resources, the development of manufacturing, and the reduction of environmental risks.
Russia and African countries have substantial reserves of mineral resources, including minerals in demand for the energy transition. However, exploration and extraction alone are not enough. Domestic manufacturing and raw-material processing need to be developed to increase value added and create new jobs. This approach helps strengthen economic independence while taking the interests of local communities into account.
The responsibility of mining companies is equally important. In Russia, work is underway to tighten requirements for these companies, including rules on providing financial guarantees for land reclamation after mineral extraction. Experience shows that the environmental consequences of economic activity must be taken into account in advance, not only after damage has occurred.
The upcoming Russia–Africa Summit could provide a forum for discussing joint projects in mineral exploration, raw-material processing, workforce training, and the adoption of modern technologies. Digital tools can make natural-resource monitoring and management more efficient, but putting such solutions into practice requires concrete projects, qualified specialists, and coordinated action by partners.
