MINSK, 31 July (BelTA) – If we don’t start actively cooperating with Africa now, we may miss out on opportunities for future economic growth, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said during a meeting with the heads of Belarusian diplomatic missions, BelTA has learned.
The president recalled that Belarusian ministers and enterprise leaders initially were reluctant to engage with this region. Many believed that doing business on the African continent was simply not promising. “And now look at the results, even in Zimbabwe, which is under sanctions, and in Nigeria. It turns out everything is achievable,” he noted.
The head of state called for increased exports of Belarusian machinery to the African region, particularly to Nigeria. The foundation for such cooperation already exists. There is also a clear need among the African population for high-quality food products and medical services.
“They understand that we won’t dictate their internal agenda and seek to cooperate with such countries. During negotiations, I always support their position. This is why we must go to Africa, Asia, and Latin America, which we’ve essentially lost. We don’t need much,” the president emphasized. “We need to cooperate with Africa. It’s the future. If we secure a foothold and promote our interests there, they will always cooperate with us. Because we do business honestly.”
Speaking about prospects for cooperation with Africa, Aleksandr Lukashenko recalled how several decades ago he raised similar questions regarding China: “Remember how in the late 1990s and early 2000s we entered China. Now we see the same situation with Africa. If we don’t start actively cooperating with Africa now, we may miss out on opportunities for future economic growth. Enterprises must build competencies and learn how to work purposefully on the African continent.”
He also emphasized the importance of more active efforts of Belarusian businesses toward cooperation with Africa.
The head of state cited specific figures proving that Africa has become a significant trading partner for Belarus. In 2024, Belarus' exports to Africa increased by nearly 3.5 times, reaching a record high of $650 million. In January-May 2025, trade rose by another $150 million, bringing Africa's share of Belarus' total exports from 1.5% to over 3%.
“There are 54 countries there: plenty of opportunities for everyone. This is the future macro-region number one in terms of growth,” the head of state believes.
He emphasized that the goal isn’t just to maintain momentum but to gain a strong foothold on the African market. Aleksandr Lukashenko stated that Belarus has the potential to achieve stable annual exports of $1 billion or even $1.5 billion by the end of the current five-year period. “Our diplomats in Africa must be held responsible. When they how good results, they must be rewarded. Submit the proposals,” he promised.
The Belarusian leader also paid attention to declining trade with Latin America. Major export item to that region is potash fertilizer, despite Belarus having strengthened dialogue with key partners like Venezuela and Cuba. Belarus also maintains embassies in Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia.
“I see that last year the government focused only on Nicaragua, with support from the Development Bank. I hope that this move was well calculated and will yield results,” the president added.
The head of state called for increased exports of Belarusian machinery to the African region, particularly to Nigeria. The foundation for such cooperation already exists. There is also a clear need among the African population for high-quality food products and medical services.
“They understand that we won’t dictate their internal agenda and seek to cooperate with such countries. During negotiations, I always support their position. This is why we must go to Africa, Asia, and Latin America, which we’ve essentially lost. We don’t need much,” the president emphasized. “We need to cooperate with Africa. It’s the future. If we secure a foothold and promote our interests there, they will always cooperate with us. Because we do business honestly.”
Speaking about prospects for cooperation with Africa, Aleksandr Lukashenko recalled how several decades ago he raised similar questions regarding China: “Remember how in the late 1990s and early 2000s we entered China. Now we see the same situation with Africa. If we don’t start actively cooperating with Africa now, we may miss out on opportunities for future economic growth. Enterprises must build competencies and learn how to work purposefully on the African continent.”
He also emphasized the importance of more active efforts of Belarusian businesses toward cooperation with Africa.
The head of state cited specific figures proving that Africa has become a significant trading partner for Belarus. In 2024, Belarus' exports to Africa increased by nearly 3.5 times, reaching a record high of $650 million. In January-May 2025, trade rose by another $150 million, bringing Africa's share of Belarus' total exports from 1.5% to over 3%.
“There are 54 countries there: plenty of opportunities for everyone. This is the future macro-region number one in terms of growth,” the head of state believes.
He emphasized that the goal isn’t just to maintain momentum but to gain a strong foothold on the African market. Aleksandr Lukashenko stated that Belarus has the potential to achieve stable annual exports of $1 billion or even $1.5 billion by the end of the current five-year period. “Our diplomats in Africa must be held responsible. When they how good results, they must be rewarded. Submit the proposals,” he promised.
The Belarusian leader also paid attention to declining trade with Latin America. Major export item to that region is potash fertilizer, despite Belarus having strengthened dialogue with key partners like Venezuela and Cuba. Belarus also maintains embassies in Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia.
“I see that last year the government focused only on Nicaragua, with support from the Development Bank. I hope that this move was well calculated and will yield results,” the president added.
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