Russian involvement in Africa dates back to the Cold War, and the Putin regime is currently focused on renewing relations.
International sanctions and the drop in the oil price are major drivers of Russian involvement.
Russian involvement in both Zimbabwe and Mozambique is strongly focused on the extractives sector.
The arms trade is also a key sector for Russia in Africa.
In both Zimbabwe and Mozambique the engagement has been driven by elites, and is frequently characterised by high levels of opacity and possible corruption.
Russia has also been a factor in both countries’ elections, with election monitors linked to the Russian government providing a gloss of approval to highly problematic election practices.
