09-05-2025
Is Russia Recruiting Young African Women To Make Drones?
With glossy influencer ads and high-profile campaigns, Russia's global outreach programme is operating across Africa, offering young women work-study opportunities in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone. Fliers and promotional materials for the programme feature images of smiling young African women working as technicians and waitresses. However, reports in international media suggest that the reality of working in Alabuga is far grimmer than the version being marketed. On this week's episode, Senior Reporter Antony Sguazzin joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explore whether the scheme's claims hold up under scrutiny and how Interpol is investigating allegations that the programme amounts to human trafficking. Instead of providing genuine job opportunities, it may be placing young African women at risk in a war zone.
