Senegal Hosts Second Phase of the International Seminar “Russian Language for Africa

The Zlatoust Educational and Publishing Center, in collaboration with the Russkiy Mir Foundation and the Mir.ru Educational Center, organized the second phase of the international seminar “Russian Language for Africa”, held in Dakar from 26 to 29 November 2025. The program aims to strengthen the skills of Russian-language teachers in Senegal and across West Africa, while promoting the study of the Russian language and culture in the region.

The opening ceremony took place at Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar (UCAD), presided over by Professor Alioune Badara Kandj, Rector of UCAD. Also present were Ms. Diana Klespatskaya, Consul of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Senegal, and Professor Abdourahmane Diallo, Head of the Department of Slavic Languages and Civilizations at UCAD.

The seminar brought together educators from several countries, including Senegal, Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Niger.

This second phase follows the program’s launch in Abuja, Nigeria.

The Russian delegation included professors from major universities:

■ RUDN University,

■ Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University,

■Voronezh State University,

along with authors of Russian-as-a-foreign-language textbooks and specialists in educational methodologies.

A platform for pedagogical exchange and capacity building

Over four days, participants took part in thematic workshops and received pedagogical and methodological teaching kits designed to enhance the teaching of Russian as a foreign language.

Meetings with students from Senegalese high schools and universities were also organized to introduce training and scholarship opportunities at Russian universities involved in the project.

In his address, Rector Alioune Badara Kandj emphasized the importance of this initiative amid the evolving dynamics of Africa–Russia relations:

“This seminar is intended for Russian-language teachers from Senegal and other African countries. There is renewed interest in the Russian language and culture, driven by changes in the international landscape and the strengthening of relations between Russia and African states.”

For her part, Ms. Diana Klespatskaya, Consul of the Russian Federation in Senegal, stressed the strategic importance of the seminar in fostering deeper ties between Russia and African nations:

“This event reflects the growing interest in the Russian language and the Russian education system across Africa. It forms part of our humanitarian cooperation, aimed at strengthening trust, mutual understanding, and friendship between our peoples.”

She expressed gratitude to Senegalese educators for their role in organizing the seminar and highlighted its international dimension:

“The participation of teachers from Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Niger gives this seminar a truly regional scope. The Russian language opens access to Russia’s rich cultural and scientific heritage and offers young people new professional opportunities.”

Ms. Klespatskaya reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to expanding academic exchanges and increasing the number of Senegalese and West African students enrolled in Russian universities.

Space Afrique