An archive photo
MINSK, 30 October (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko set ambitious tasks for work in Africa at a meeting to discuss the development of cooperation with the continent, BelTA has learned.
The topic of cooperation with African countries is often discussed at the level of the head of state, as traditional export markets must be expanded. “And not only because we have begun to lose ground there, especially in terms of exporting our products,” the president noted.
Before the meeting, however, there were doubts among government officials about whether it was possible to prepare for the event within such a short period of time. “I warn all government members and those overseeing cooperation with Africa: be ready every day, from morning to night, to report and discuss key issues,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. He emphasized that such meetings are convened not for theory or “philosophical musings,” but for practical work. The agenda therefore focused on the current state of cooperation with Africa and future proposals.
The president stressed that the meeting participants need to present new ideas to advance cooperation with Africa, particularly in food security, industrial and military-technical exports, and the creation of joint assembly plants. He also called for initiatives in education and healthcare, such as programs for training skilled personnel.
"I strongly advise you not to follow the example of those who spend their time in endless meetings, sitting here discussing what we will do tomorrow. Instead, let's start with what has already been accomplished, why other tasks weren't done, and then move on to planning," the president said.
“For Belarus, Africa today is what China was 30 years ago: a market of the future where we must engage proactively and establish our own niches. It is there that the reserves for export diversification lie, particularly for the key sectors of our economy such as agriculture, mechanical engineering, fertilizer production, and others,” the Belarusian leader stated.
Africa’s GDP growth exceeds the global average: more than 4% in 2025 compared to 3% a year earlier, with demographic growth at 2-3% annually. Still, its role in world trade is modest, accounting for only 2.6% of exports and 3% of imports. This is a sign of a “compressed spring” of deferred demand, according to the president.”
Africa can also be described as a treasure trove of raw materials. The continent holds one‑third of the world’s mineral reserves, including 8% of natural gas, 12% of oil, 40% of gold, and up to 90% of chromium and platinum. “This makes Africa a locomotive with which we can move forward, but only through a strong and reliable partnership. It must not be done slapdash,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.
The head of state recalled that the government had adopted an action program to develop cooperation with African countries for 2024-2026. However, he described the plan as overly simplistic and lacking ambition. For instance, the projected export growth rate is 107.2%, only modestly above the national average of 97.5%. “It may look like decent growth, but the figures are far too modest,” the president believes.
“It would seem that this is the opportunity. If progress is being made, we must consolidate our resources, support the strongest, and guide the rest. But what is in reality?,” the head of state asked. “I still see no signs of systematic work. No adjustments are being made, neither to plans nor to methods.”
Meanwhile, in the current year, exports to African countries, excluding petroleum products, fertilizers, and special goods, amount to less than a quarter of total supplies – $130 million.
Life, however, sets tasks regardless of the government’s unambitious plans, the president noted. “The situation on our major export markets is now difficult. We will not leave them under any circumstances and will fight for our consumer. But enterprises and industries can no longer use excuses that everything is already contracted, or that someone in Russia offers a better price, and so on,” the head of state stressed. “We must reach out to more distant markets and work there. This is a serious task, and not just for today.”
For managers, the president set the task of ensuring production capacity utilization, jobs, and wages for people, despite existing difficulties. “Precisely in difficult situations!” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.
At present, all African countries together account for only 2% of Belarus’ total exports (compared to 1.9% over the same eight-month period last year).
The topic of cooperation with African countries is often discussed at the level of the head of state, as traditional export markets must be expanded. “And not only because we have begun to lose ground there, especially in terms of exporting our products,” the president noted.
Before the meeting, however, there were doubts among government officials about whether it was possible to prepare for the event within such a short period of time. “I warn all government members and those overseeing cooperation with Africa: be ready every day, from morning to night, to report and discuss key issues,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. He emphasized that such meetings are convened not for theory or “philosophical musings,” but for practical work. The agenda therefore focused on the current state of cooperation with Africa and future proposals.
The president stressed that the meeting participants need to present new ideas to advance cooperation with Africa, particularly in food security, industrial and military-technical exports, and the creation of joint assembly plants. He also called for initiatives in education and healthcare, such as programs for training skilled personnel.
"I strongly advise you not to follow the example of those who spend their time in endless meetings, sitting here discussing what we will do tomorrow. Instead, let's start with what has already been accomplished, why other tasks weren't done, and then move on to planning," the president said.
“For Belarus, Africa today is what China was 30 years ago: a market of the future where we must engage proactively and establish our own niches. It is there that the reserves for export diversification lie, particularly for the key sectors of our economy such as agriculture, mechanical engineering, fertilizer production, and others,” the Belarusian leader stated.
Africa’s GDP growth exceeds the global average: more than 4% in 2025 compared to 3% a year earlier, with demographic growth at 2-3% annually. Still, its role in world trade is modest, accounting for only 2.6% of exports and 3% of imports. This is a sign of a “compressed spring” of deferred demand, according to the president.”
Africa can also be described as a treasure trove of raw materials. The continent holds one‑third of the world’s mineral reserves, including 8% of natural gas, 12% of oil, 40% of gold, and up to 90% of chromium and platinum. “This makes Africa a locomotive with which we can move forward, but only through a strong and reliable partnership. It must not be done slapdash,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.
The head of state recalled that the government had adopted an action program to develop cooperation with African countries for 2024-2026. However, he described the plan as overly simplistic and lacking ambition. For instance, the projected export growth rate is 107.2%, only modestly above the national average of 97.5%. “It may look like decent growth, but the figures are far too modest,” the president believes.
“It would seem that this is the opportunity. If progress is being made, we must consolidate our resources, support the strongest, and guide the rest. But what is in reality?,” the head of state asked. “I still see no signs of systematic work. No adjustments are being made, neither to plans nor to methods.”
Meanwhile, in the current year, exports to African countries, excluding petroleum products, fertilizers, and special goods, amount to less than a quarter of total supplies – $130 million.
Life, however, sets tasks regardless of the government’s unambitious plans, the president noted. “The situation on our major export markets is now difficult. We will not leave them under any circumstances and will fight for our consumer. But enterprises and industries can no longer use excuses that everything is already contracted, or that someone in Russia offers a better price, and so on,” the head of state stressed. “We must reach out to more distant markets and work there. This is a serious task, and not just for today.”
For managers, the president set the task of ensuring production capacity utilization, jobs, and wages for people, despite existing difficulties. “Precisely in difficult situations!” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.
At present, all African countries together account for only 2% of Belarus’ total exports (compared to 1.9% over the same eight-month period last year).
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