Russia has stepped up the recruitment of African mercenaries for war: what methods does the Kremlin use?

Russia is increasing its influence in Africa, combining humanitarian initiatives with covert military recruitment. As of the end of 2025, more than 1,400 citizens from 36 African countries were fighting on Moscow’s side or involved in work in the interests of the Russian defense-industrial complex.

This was reported by the Foreign Intelligence Service.

It is noted that the main focus is on socially vulnerable youth, people with limited access to education and work, women with low incomes, and people with military experience. Recruitment is often disguised as civilian employment: Africans are offered jobs as security guards, drivers, or construction workers, but are later involved in activities in the interests of Russia.

The Alabuga Start program sends young women aged 18–22 to Russia, ostensibly for civilian work. In fact, it involves the production of military products, including unmanned aerial vehicles, in the Alabuga special economic zone.

A separate channel of influence is educational and cultural projects. Scholarships, language courses, and short-term programs at Russian universities are accompanied by the expansion of the network of “Russian House” centers and the activities of state media Sputnik and RT, which form the information environment for the selection of potential recruits.

An additional role is played by private military companies, local intermediaries, and military-technical cooperation, which creates long-term dependencies through training and arms supplies.

A separate tool of influence is the expansion of the presence of the Russian Orthodox Church. In 2022–2026, its activities expanded from 4 to over 30 African countries. The construction of churches, the payment of high salaries to clergy, and distance learning in seminaries are used to form loyal networks and spread pro-Russian narratives about “traditional values.”

The reaction of some African governments is intensifying. Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Botswana and Lesotho accuse Moscow of large-scale recruitment. In the near future, some states plan to tighten control over employment agencies, revise migration agreements and limit contacts with Russian educational and cultural structures.

Recall that the Kenyan parliament stated that Russia recruited over a thousand of the country’s citizens to participate in the war against Ukraine .

It was previously reported that mercenaries from Africa who fought on the side of Russia against Ukraine received Russian passports.

By the way, the Russian Federation is actively recruiting foreign mercenaries to participate in the war against Ukraine.

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