Russia sets sights on Africa’s fish

Russia’s new Great African Expedition marks its latest push for influence on the continent, seeking to incorporate Africa’s rich but fragile fisheries. Under the guise of scientific collaboration, Russian research vessels have toured West and North Africa, gathering data on fish stocks that often leads to negotiations for commercial access.

As sanctions squeeze Moscow, Africa’s under-policed waters present both opportunity and geopolitical leverage. Many coastal nations, frustrated with European and Chinese incursions, are now weighing Russia’s offers despite fears of a resurgence of overfishing.

The expedition’s findings have already paved the way for deals with Morocco and Sierra Leone. Russia is also suspected to be negotiating with the Senegalese government, raising concerns among local communities who worry that a return of large foreign fleets could devastate already depleted stocks.