As relations between the ruling juntas in the Sahel States Alliance (AES) and Western powers continue to worsen, Russia is ramping up economic initiatives to strengthen its influence in the region.

After it has reached security partnerships with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) – comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso – through military support and training to combat jihadist threats, Russia is now advancing its economic ties in the region.

A series of moves to reclaim control over natural resources, including the termination of contracts with Western mining firms like France's Orano and Canada's GoviEx, has cleared a path for Russian businesses to secure major deals. Over recent months, Russian companies have signed agreements in sectors ranging from renewable energy to agricultural processing, civil nuclear power, aerospace, and new technologies.

On October 28, Mali's transitional president, Assimi Goïta, welcomed a Russian delegation led by Irek Salikhov, Chairman of Yadran Group. Yadran, a conglomerate specializing in petroleum extraction, industrial infrastructure projects, and waste management, announced plans to build a gold refinery and a cotton processing plant in Mali. “Agreements have been reached with Mali for gold refining, fuel supply, and a cotton processing facility,” said Salikhov, adding that the official signing is set for the near future.

In May 2024, Russian firms began constructing a 200 MW solar power plant in Sanankoroba, near Bamako, covering 314 hectares. This project is expected to boost Mali’s electricity output by 10%. Further agreements include nuclear power plant construction for both Mali and Burkina Faso. Russian energy giant Rosatom has also struck training deals on civil nuclear energy in these countries.

Meanwhile, Rosatom is reportedly seeking uranium assets in Niger previously held by French firm Orano, according to sources cited by Bloomberg. The AES members are also exploring plans for a shared communications satellite to enhance telecommunications in remote areas, partnering with Russia’s Roscosmos space agency and its subsidiary Glavkosmos for training.

As Russia expands its influence, it faces competition from other emerging powers, particularly China and Turkey, which have also sought resource and infrastructure deals in the Sahel. In September, China signed agreements with Mali for digital infrastructure, solar energy, and arms, while Turkey is pursuing mineral exploration in Niger and strengthening defense ties with Burkina Faso.

With the AES turning away from Western alliances, Russia’s economic footprint in the region is growing. However, the competition for influence from other global players could intensify as the Sahel emerges as a strategic region for economic and security interests.