February 17, 2026
God, guns, and grain: Bloomberg maps Russia’s steady expansion across Africa
In a report published on February 16, Bloomberg describes how the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) expanded its presence in Africa from one country to at least 34 between 2022 and 2025. Previously, the church had only one congregation in sub-Saharan Africa — in South Africa. Its remaining African parishes were in Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco. Today, the continent has more than 350 parishes and congregations. According to Father Yuri Maksimov, head of the missionary department of the ROC’s African Exarchate, this may be the most significant expansion in the church’s history.
TL;DR
- The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) has expanded from one African country to at least 34 between 2022 and 2025, now boasting over 350 parishes.
- This expansion is seen as part of a Russian campaign to extend influence across Africa through religion, culture, and language, compensating for economic limitations.
- Russia has opened "Russian Houses" cultural centers, promoted Russian language instruction, and offered university spots to African students.
- The ROC in South Africa primarily attracts Afrikaner congregants, who are described as conservative and traditionalist.
- Russia is also developing local media outlets and utilizing programs to recruit young African women for jobs, some in drone manufacturing facilities.
- Beyond civilian efforts, Russia remains a major arms supplier to Africa and operates through paramilitary forces like the "Africa Corps."
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