Next Africa

Russia Turns to Religion to Woo New Friends in Africa

Moscow doesn’t have the economic clout of the US and China.

A Sunday service at the Cathedral of St. Sergius of Radonezh on Johannesburg’s outskirts.Photographer: Cebisile Mbonani/Bloomberg

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Antony Sguazzin

February 17, 2026 at 12:30 PM UTC

Welcome to Next Africa, a twice-weekly newsletter on where the continent stands now — and where it’s headed. Sign up here to have it delivered to your email.

Russia is resorting to soft power to win influence in Africa.