Africa Centrum

Projects

Africa Art

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Connecting continents towards a common future

Activities
of the Centre

Education and Science

Development of academic cooperation, student exchanges, organization of joint research projects in African countries.

Launching joint sports projects, supporting athletes, organizing international competitions, promoting a healthy lifestyle and strengthening friendship through sports.

Sports and health

Culture and Art

Introduction to the culture, life, cuisine and traditions of Africa through exhibitions and events.

Together with government officials, we develop diplomatic initiatives and launch real projects. We sign and implement agreements that change the world for the better.

Diplomatic cooperation

Digitalization

Supporting digital transformation and innovation in African countries.

Promoting the development of business ties, investment projects and trade relations. Expanding and strengthening the contribution of Africans in the Diaspora to the development of Africa.

Economy

Humanitarian projects

Support for social initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life and strengthening mutual understanding between peoples.

Creating platforms for sharing experiences, strengthening friendships and finding new opportunities for cooperation.

Society

Agenda 2063

Our activities contribute to the implementation of the African Union Agenda 2063, adopted in 2015 by the 25th Assembly of Heads of State of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

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Jocelin-Patrick Mandzela

President of the Centre

"We believe that strengthening international relations is the basis for building a multipolar world. Our mission is to build bridges between cultures and peoples, creating opportunities for dialogue, friendship and cooperation for the prosperity of our countries."

Projects

Roscongress and Africa Centrum Signed a Cooperation Agreement

On October 29, the Roscongress Foundation and the Autonomous Non-Profit Organization Africa Centrum signed an agreement to develop business and humanitarian cooperation between Russia and African countries. The document was signed by Alexander Stuglev, Director of the Roscongress Foundation, and Jocelin-Patrick Mandzela, President of Africa Centrum.
The agreement provides for the joint organization of international events, the development of investment, cultural, and educational initiatives, and the strengthening of partnerships between Russia and African countries.
The next stages of cooperation will include the further development of the Africa Art project, the elaboration of an initiative for one of the African countries to participate in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) as a guest country, the launch of joint programs for children, young people, and students, as well as the organization of international football matches and gastronomic festivals.

“Africa Art”: Art from 18 African Countries in 11 Russian Cities

At the initiative of Africa Centrum, the international cultural project Africa Art was implemented as part of the Third Russia–Africa Summit, presenting works by nearly 30 artists from 18 African countries on digital screens and media façades across 11 Russian cities. MAER GROUP LLC served as the media partner.
The project also included public meetings at the State Museum of Oriental Art and the ZILART Museum. Africa Centrum plans to continue the initiative by developing cooperation between Russian and African artists and cultural institutions.

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Catalogue of the International Africa Art Project

As part of the international cultural project Africa Art, printed catalogues were published at the initiative of Africa Centrum, bringing together works by contemporary artists and photographers from 18 African countries.
The publication introduces readers to the diversity of contemporary African art, the work of the project’s participants, and their unique perspectives on life on the continent.

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African Artists and Photographers Visited Moscow

As part of the Third Russia–Africa Summit, Africa Centrum organized a visit to Moscow for artists, photographers, and representatives of the art community from African countries who participated in the international Africa Art project.
The guests visited cultural venues in Moscow, met with Russian colleagues, and took part in public discussions. The visit helped African artists become acquainted with contemporary Russia, develop professional contacts, and create new opportunities for joint cultural initiatives.

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“Africa Through the Eyes of an Artist”: Meeting at the ZILART Museum

On October 29, the session “Africa Through the Eyes of an Artist” took place at the ZILART Museum in Moscow as part of the Africa Art project and the “Africa Centrum Talks” program.
Participants discussed contemporary African art, cultural identity, and the diversity of the continent’s artistic traditions. The meeting provided a platform for direct dialogue between African artists and the Russian professional community, opening up new opportunities for cultural cooperation.

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“Africa Centrum Talks” at the State Museum of Oriental Art

On October 28, the session “Transforming Reality: Artists in the Contemporary World” took place at the State Museum of Oriental Art in Moscow as part of the Africa Art project.
African artists, photographers, and curators discussed contemporary African art and prospects for cooperation with Russian cultural institutions. The meeting was part of the “Africa Centrum Talks” program, aimed at developing international cultural exchange.

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Olympic Cooperation between Russia and South Africa

In Vladivostok, on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum, the Russian Olympic Committee and the South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC), signed a memorandum of cooperation.
The signing was the result of preliminary negotiations and consultations conducted with the assistance of the Africa Centrum. The Centre also facilitated the organization of the visit to Russia by SASCOC President Barry Hendricks, during which the parties formalized agreements on the development of direct cooperation.

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Paralympic Cooperation between Russia and South Africa

In Moscow, the Russian Paralympic Committee and the South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC), signed a memorandum of understanding in the field of Paralympic sport. The Africa Centrum facilitated the organization of the visit to Russia by SASCOC President Barry Hendricks, during which the memorandum was signed. The memorandum opens new opportunities for direct cooperation and joint initiatives between sports organizations in Russia and South Africa.

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Exhibition “Congo. A Celebration Every Day”

Another important step towards strengthening humanitarian ties between Russia and the Republic of the Congo. The exhibition “Congo. A Celebration Every Day” has opened in Saint Petersburg, featuring works by renowned Congolese photographer Baudouin Mouanda. The photographs transport viewers to the modern Republic of the Congo – vibrant, distinctive, and full of life.
The Africa Centrum acted as a key partner of the project, coordinating the participation of Russian and Congolese representatives and facilitating cooperation between cultural and institutional organisations. The Centre also fully financed the organisational part of the exhibition.

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Bronze Medal at the African Sambo Championships

The bronze medal won by the Congolese national team at the African Sambo Championships was one of the results of the cooperation carried out through the Africa Centrum platform together with international partners.

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Memorandum of Cooperation between the Moscow Region Chess Federation, the
Congolese Chess Association, and Africa Centrum

The signing of the Memorandum was the result of collaboration between the partners through the Africa Centrum platform, which promotes cooperation between African countries and international partners in the fields of sport and humanitarian initiatives.

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A Cooperation Agreement between the Russian Judo Federation and the Judo Federation of the Republic of the Congo

A Cooperation Agreement between the Russian Judo Federation and the Judo Federation of the Republic of the Congo was signed at the Russian Olympic Committee. Africa Centrum served as a platform bringing together Russian and Congolese partners to develop long-term cooperation in the field of judo.

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Young Olympians Forum in Moscow

A delegation of Congolese athletes, headed by the Vice-President of the National Olympic
and Sports Committee of the Republic of the Congo, took part in the Young Olympians
Forum in Moscow within the framework of international sports cooperation developed
through the Africa Centrum platform.

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International Russia–Africa Friendship Football Tournament in Saint Petersburg

The International Russia–Africa Friendship Football Tournament, held to mark Africa Day, became an example of how sport brings together people, organizations, and states.
The African Centre (Africa Centrum) served as a platform for developing cooperation, helping to strengthen humanitarian ties and establish new partnerships between Africa and Eurasia.

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Russian-African Football Tournament

The amateur football tournament “Friendship Cup: Russia – Africa,” held to mark Defender of the Fatherland Day, became another example of how sport brings people together and creates new opportunities for international cooperation.
The African Centre (Africa Centrum) contributed to the implementation of the project, strengthening humanitarian ties between Africa and Eurasia through practical joint initiatives.

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National Rhythmic Gymnastics Tournament in Brazzaville

For the second time, a national rhythmic gymnastics tournament dedicated to Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva was held in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of the Congo.
The tournament was carried out with the support of the African Centre (Africa Centrum) and became another example of the development of international sports cooperation between Russia and the Republic of the Congo. Thanks to this project, new opportunities for professional growth opened up for young female athletes from the Republic of the Congo.

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International Scientific and Practical Symposium at MGSU

As part of the 3rd International Symposium FCI-2025, the African Centre (Africa Centrum) contributed to the organization of a section dedicated to the development of innovation and management in the investment and construction sector, thereby promoting international professional cooperation in education, research, and specialist training.

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The second edition of the mini-football tournament

The second annual Challenge Cup tournament in the Republic of the Congo became another example of how sport opens up new opportunities for young people. The project, implemented with the support of the African Centre (Africa Centrum), contributes to the development of mini-football and the support of youth sports initiatives.

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Sports camp at the “Sky Grace” Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy

Cooperation with the "Sky Grace" Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy demonstrates practical results in the training of young female athletes from Africa.
With the support of the African Centre (Africa Centrum), talented gymnasts gain access to a professional environment, modern training methods, and international sports experience.

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African School Games

The two bronze medals won by female judokas from the Republic of the Congo at the African School Games became a significant achievement for national sport.
Earlier, with the assistance of the African Centre (Africa Centrum), an international sports training programme had been organised for the athletes, enabling them to gain new training experience and expand their opportunities to take part in continental-level competitions.

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World Mas-Wrestling Championship

The bronze medal won by a student from the Republic of the Congo at the World Mas-Wrestling Championship in Mongolia became an important achievement not only for the athlete, but for the entire country.
With the assistance of the African Centre (Africa Centrum), which contributes to the promotion of African talent, the young athlete received additional opportunities to enter the international arena.

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Strike to Strength

A team from the Republic of the Congo took part in the Strike to Strength sports tournament in the Moscow Region and won medals, confirming the strong potential of African athletes.
The initiative was developed with the support of the African Centre (Africa Centrum), which helps strengthen sporting ties between Africa and Eurasia through the practical participation of teams in international competitions.

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Sambo Sports Camps

The sambo training camps became an important stage in the development of cooperation between sports schools, coaches, and young athletes.
With the support of the African Centre (Africa Centrum), participants from the Republic of the Congo gained access to professional methods, while Russian partners had the opportunity to build long-term cooperation in the field of sports education.

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Judo Sports Camp

The judo training camps create opportunities for young athletes from Africa to grow, exchange experience, and prepare for higher-level competitions.
The development of such initiatives is supported by the African Centre (Africa Centrum), which serves as an international platform for cooperation between government institutions, sports organisations, schools, and talented individuals.

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Stars of Africa Gastronomic Festival

The Stars of Africa Gastronomic Festival in Saint Petersburg became a space for discovering the culture, cuisine, and traditions of African countries.
Thanks to the African Centre (Africa Centrum), cultural dialogue takes on a practical dimension: city residents, representatives of diasporas, businesses, and international partners find new points of connection for future projects.

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Rhythmic Gymnastics Tournament in the Republic of the Congo

The international sporting event held in the Republic of the Congo in honor of Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva strengthened interest in rhythmic gymnastics and created additional opportunities for the development of children’s and youth sports in the country.
The project was implemented with the assistance of the African Centre (Africa Centrum), an international platform that helps strengthen practical ties between Africa and the international community.

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Academic Council of HSE University – Saint Petersburg with the President of the Republic of the Congo

The Academic Council of HSE University – Saint Petersburg with the President of the Republic of the Congo became an important platform for discussing cooperation in the field of education and opened up new opportunities for developing academic ties between Russian educational institutions and partners from the Republic of the Congo.
The project is supported by the African Centre (Africa Centrum), which contributes to the development of international educational dialogue.

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Sports Camp and the Alina Festival

The training camps and the Alina Festival created opportunities for the development of young athletes, their creative fulfillment, and the strengthening of humanitarian ties between participants from different countries.
The successful implementation of this initiative was supported by the African Centre (Africa Centrum), which contributes to the development of long-term humanitarian cooperation.

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Dear friends and partners!
Africa is today the world’s largest source of human capital, with the fastest growing and youngest population. By 2050, the working population on the African continent is expected to exceed that of India and China combined.

It becomes obvious that education and skilled leadership are the major drivers of transformation and development on the African continent, they are keys to preserving the cultural code and continuous growth. Our society particularly needs to strengthen these areas. We strive to shape a new generation of leaders and innovators, primarily by investing in education, sports, entrepreneurial initiatives, digital transformation and open communication.

Our ideology is based on the principle of “ubuntu” which conveys the idea of community, mutual support and cooperation. Together with heads of states, representatives of civil society, business and all other stakeholders, we are creating a space for dialogue, knowledge sharing and partnership. Our goal is to build a multipolar world in which every community and every culture contributes to the common development and prosperity.

Our actions are aimed at the benefit of future generations! Let our joint efforts in education, science and leadership become the foundation on which we build a future where everyone can succeed and realize their potential.

Let us work together to realize the ideals of 'ubuntu', for only through collective action will we be able to ensure harmonious and sustainable growth for every region in the world and for the humanity as a whole.

Sincerely, Jocelin-Patrick Mandzela

Message from the President

Find out how you can get involved in our projects and initiatives to strengthen connections.

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Africa Centrum

Activities of the Centre

Projects

Message from the President

Activities
of the Centre