Fair trade is critical for Africa
In an interview with local weekly Bizweek on Sunday, Zeynalova stated that 'fair trade is critical,' as Africans should have the freedom to shape their own development, free from the constraints of post-colonial economic patterns.
Reflecting on Africa's historical challenges, the ambassador said the legacy of colonialism continues to cast a shadow across the continent, adding that colonial rule stripped Africa of its people and natural wealth, and that today's generation deserves a chance at a better, sovereign life. 'The time of colonialism must end,' she went on to say.
Zeynalova noted that poverty in Africa is not merely financial but deeply rooted in the lack of access to essential services such as education, clean water, and healthcare. Drawing on her experience in Sudan, where her son worked prior to the outbreak of conflict, she said sanctions crippled the agricultural sector despite the presence of the Nile, adding that 'People there survive on $2 a week.'
People in Sudan, according to Zeynalova, have a clear demand: 'Leave us alone. Give us safety, medicine, education. We can develop our country ourselves.'
The ambassador pointed to the role of the BRICS group as a platform for empowering the Global South. Unlike Western-led alliances such as NATO or the EU, BRICS promotes inclusivity and mutual respect without imposing strict conditions on its members. She characterized the group, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, among other nations, as 'an open platform where countries are equal and respected.'
Zeynalova also stressed that Russia has always viewed African nations as valuable partners rather than countries to exploit.
Turning to Mauritius, the ambassador affirmed Russia's enduring commitment to the island nation's sovereignty and independence. 'Russia was one of the first countries to recognize Mauritius' independence and freedom,' she said, adding, 'In Russia, we remember everything.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Russia Today
an hour ago
- Russia Today
Global South cyber forum to focus on ‘non-Western' models
A cybersecurity and AI forum being held in Equatorial Guinea next month will focus on 'non-Western' approaches to protecting digital infrastructure and managing cross-border payments, the co-chair of the organizing committee has said. The event will be held from September 15 to 17 and is backed by the president of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, and his government. It aims to promote dialogue on digital and financial sovereignty outside Western frameworks. Alexander Ryzhov, co-chair of the organizing committee, told African Initiative that the discussions would center on models suited to the needs of the Global South economies, including the security of banking, payment, and telecommunications systems. 'The main goal of our forum is to present 'non-Western' cybersecurity concepts aimed at protecting the banking, payment, and telecommunications industries,' Ryzhov said. The event will cover topics including Russia's cybersecurity model for critical infrastructure, secure digital payment systems, and cloud storage solutions. Invited Russian stakeholders include Rosatom, Rostelecom, major commercial banks, IT and cloud service providers, Russian federal agency Rossotrudnichestvo, and energy companies such as Gazprom, Rosneft, and Severstal. The China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), the United Nations Fund for South-South Cooperation (UNFSSC), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, BRICS Bank, Asian-African Fund, and Huawei Technologies Co. are also invited. The forum will also address broader strategic and economic issues. Planned discussions include opening mutual bank accounts, joint investment in mineral resource development, and establishing a North-South digital and telecoms corridor, Ryzhov stated. At the Global Digital Forum in Nizhny Novgorod in June, delegates from African countries called for more inclusive and cooperative approaches to economic transformation, expressing interest in strengthening tech ties with Russia. Eugenio Alberto Macumbe, head of Mozambique's ICT Regulatory Authority's Digital Governance Division, told RT his country is pursuing digital transformation and AI strategies, noting Russia's advanced progress in AI and the value of learning from its expertise. In April, Aleksey Andreev, Russia's trade representative in Morocco, said Moscow is ready to support African countries in developing technologies that promote self-sufficiency and sovereignty. Russia offers 'not only software products, but an ecosystem of digital solutions that guarantee technological sovereignty and growth,' he said.
Russia Today
2 hours ago
- Russia Today
India plans to diversify non-US trade
India is planning to boost its export presence in 50 countries in an effort to mitigate the effects of increased US tariffs, local media outlets reported on Tuesday, citing government sources. New Delhi has expanded its strategy to now focus on the 50 nations that account for around 90% of its total exports, the Times of India said. The strategy entails boosting engagement with new markets in the Middle East and Africa in particular, a CNBC TV18 report said. The approach will be tailored to specific products and will be guided by three main objectives: diversifying exports, substituting imports with domestic products, and improving export competitiveness, the report added. The new policy is aimed at reducing dependence on any one market and minimizing the risks associated with trade disruptions. India Expands Exports Horizons from Africa to Middle East - #TrumpTariffsReducing the reliance on a single market, India is broadening its horizons with 50 trade partners - while striving to improve every product and make it competitive. (ET)The 50 account for 90% of India's… The move comes as India faces concerns about a slowdown in global demand and potential challenges from US tariff measures. Last week, the White House announced an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, thus bringing the overall tariff level facing the South Asian nation to 50%. US President Donald Trump said the latest measures were imposed due to India's continued purchases of Russian oil. The Middle East is being targeted as a growth region for Indian engineering goods and gems and jewelry, while Africa presents opportunities for exports of pharmaceuticals, auto components, and agricultural products, according to reports. Indian exports of merchandise remained largely steady year-on-year in June, coming in at $35 billion, as global economic uncertainties had a dampening effect. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit the US in September for the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. Trump is also expected to address the session.
Russia Today
3 hours ago
- Russia Today
UK massively underreporting true cost of Indian Ocean base deal
The British government will end up paying ten times more than publicly acknowledged to transfer the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean to Mauritius, The Telegraph has reported. The Chagos archipelago, comprising more than 60 islands, was separated from Mauritius by Britain in 1965, three years before the East African country gained independence. In 1966, the largest island, Diego Garcia, was leased to the US for military use, and around 2,000 inhabitants were displaced. Mauritius has since sought to reclaim the territory, and in 2019 the International Court of Justice advised that the UK should end its administration 'as rapidly as possible.' In May, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed an agreement transferring sovereignty of the territory to Mauritius. The deal allows Washington and London to retain control of the joint military base on Diego Garcia for an initial period of 99 years, with a total value of $3.9 billion, according to an earlier Reuters report. Citing documents from the Government Actuary's Department, The Telegraph said on Monday the deal will involve payments totaling nearly £35 billion ($47.1 billion) over the 99-year leaseback duration, compared with the official figure of £3.4 billion ($4.6 billion). Starmer has reportedly told the House of Commons that higher estimates of £9 billion ($12.1 billion) and £18 billion ($24.2 billion) were 'absolutely wide of the mark.' The Telegraph said the lower official total was reached by applying inflation estimates and then using an accounting method sometimes employed for long-term projects, but not typically when the government seeks to emphasize spending levels. Conservative Party lawmakers have accused ministers of downplaying the scale of the payments, with some calling the approach 'statistical jiggery-pokery' intended to mislead. The outlet quoted a government spokesperson describing the Diego Garcia base as 'essential to the security of the UK and our key allies, and to keeping British people safe.' Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam had also previously hailed the agreement as a historic step toward 'completing the total process of decolonization.'
