Sirius Federal Territory, Russia - 28 November 2025
The All-Africa Students Union (AASU) has formalised a major new partnership with the Coordinating Council for Youth Affairs in Science and Education of the Presidential Council for Science and Education of the Russian Federation, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the margins of the Fifth Young Scientists Congress. The agreement marks a significant milestone in advancing Africa-Russia cooperation in education, science, youth development, and innovation.
The MoU, signed by AASU Secretary-General Mr. Peter Kwasi Kodjie and Council Chairman Mr. Nikita V. Marchenkov, establishes a long-term framework for structured collaboration between the two organisations. It reflects a shared commitment to deepening academic mobility, expanding scientific opportunities for young researchers, and strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties between African and Russian youth.
Speaking during the ceremony, Mr. Kodjie described the partnership as “a strategic step toward repositioning African students and young scientists as active contributors to global scientific advancement.” He emphasised that the agreement reinforces AASU’s mission to open new pathways for African youth in research, leadership, and cross-border innovation.
“This collaboration is rooted in equality, mutual respect, and shared ambition,” he noted. “Africa and Russia both possess remarkable scientific potential. Through this partnership, we are creating new platforms where our young people can learn, explore, innovate, and build solutions for our collective future.”
Key Areas of Cooperation
Under the MoU, AASU and the Coordinating Council will work together in several priority areas, including:
- Education and Scientific Development: promoting access to academic opportunities, joint participation in scientific conferences, postgraduate mobility programmes, and research internships.
- Youth Policy and Leadership: organising joint forums and dialogues, sharing best practices in student representation, and implementing leadership development programmes.
- Cultural and Humanitarian Exchange: hosting cultural events and volunteer initiatives to deepen mutual understanding between African and Russian youth.
- Information Exchange and Visibility: sharing publications, research outputs, and coverage of collaborative activities.
The MoU will remain in effect for five years and will be automatically renewed unless either party signals a desire to discontinue the arrangement.
A Foundation for Expanded Scientific Cooperation
AASU’s leadership views the agreement as a critical pillar of its strategy to broaden international partnerships, strengthen science diplomacy, and expand opportunities for African students.
The Union’s participation in the Young Scientists Congress and the signing of this MoU underscore a growing momentum toward cross-regional scientific collaboration at a time when global challenges require inclusive innovation and broadened participation from youth.
“Africa’s scientific renaissance depends on strong partnerships,” Mr. Kodjie stated. “This MoU is not only an institutional agreement – it is a commitment to the young people of Africa and Russia who will shape the next generation of discoveries, technologies, and solutions.”
AASU expresses its appreciation to the Russian partners for their openness and commitment, and reaffirms its readiness to begin implementing joint activities under the new cooperation framework.