In the past decades, the world has undergone serious geopolitical changes, fostering the formation of new economic and diplomatic ties. Africa, with its vast natural and human potential, has become an arena for global competition over resources and influence. In this context, Azerbaijan is pursuing a consistent strategy of deepening cooperation with African states, which is evident in a series of official visits, trade agreements, and joint projects in energy, extractive industries, and public administration. This article examines the key aspects of this interaction, analyzes its political and economic context, and assesses the prospects for further development.
Diplomatic Activity and Political Interaction
Azerbaijan is expanding its diplomatic geography by actively engaging with African countries. The visits of Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embaló, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and the Republic of Congo’s President Denis Sassou Nguesso to Azerbaijan confirm the growing interest of African states in cooperation with Baku. Significant attention is given to issues of security, economic partnerships, and collaboration in education and healthcare. As a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, Azerbaijan offers African countries alternative cooperation mechanisms independent of former colonial powers.
In addition to bilateral meetings, Baku is actively developing partnerships within international organizations, strengthening ties between Africa and other Global South nations. A significant step has been the organization of joint forums and economic summits aimed at developing new models of international cooperation.
Economic diplomacy is also a key tool of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy on the African continent. SOCAR is involved in the modernization of the Congolaise de Raffinage oil refinery in the Republic of Congo, strengthening Azerbaijan’s position in the global energy supply sector. Additionally, negotiations are underway to expand oil extraction cooperation with Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea.
Azerbaijan’s investment policy in Africa extends beyond the energy sector to other strategic industries. Notably, AzerGold is actively participating in the development of new mineral deposits. An important step was Baku’s decision to join the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, making Azerbaijan a key player in the international diamond trade and promoting transparency in the industry.
Educational Exchange and Military-Technical Cooperation
The transfer of governance expertise is an important area of cooperation between Azerbaijan and African countries. A particularly high level of interest has been shown in the ASAN Xidmət model, recognized as one of the most efficient public administration systems. Memorandums of understanding have been signed with Morocco, Uganda, and Ethiopia, with ongoing negotiations with other states.
Moreover, Azerbaijan is actively developing educational cooperation. Specialists from various African countries are studying at Azerbaijani universities, contributing to the formation of sustainable professional ties. This initiative builds on Azerbaijan’s successful experience in training Afghan personnel in partnership with NATO, reflecting the high quality of its educational programs.
The military and military-technical sphere is also becoming a significant element of Azerbaijan-Africa partnerships. Azerbaijani defense products, known for their high quality and competitive pricing, attract the interest of several African countries. Preliminary agreements on arms supplies to Somalia have been reached, and negotiations are ongoing with other regional states.
Conclusion
Active cooperation with Africa strengthens Azerbaijan’s position on the international stage. With the diminishing influence of traditional colonial powers on the continent, new opportunities for strategic partnerships are emerging. Drawing from its own post-colonial development experience, Azerbaijan supports countries striving for sovereign growth.
One of the key aspects of Azerbaijan’s policy in Africa is its stance against neocolonialism. In this regard, Azerbaijan takes a firm position against economic dependency imposed by some former colonial powers. Baku, in particular, condemns the use of colonial currencies and the monopolization of resources, reinforcing its credibility among African nations.
Azerbaijan’s cooperation with African states exhibits a steady trend of expansion and deepening. Diplomatic activity, investment projects, governance expertise exchange, and the development of defense cooperation create a solid foundation for strategic partnerships. Amidst global changes and transformations in international relations, Azerbaijan continues to shape a multi-vector foreign policy with Africa playing a significant role. Given the dynamics of partnership development, further growth in mutual trade volumes, educational exchanges, and investment cooperation can be expected, ultimately strengthening Azerbaijan’s economic and political standing on the African continent.
