MainPIR Press News№ 36 (94), 2025. PIR Center hosted a seminar titled “Uranium Competition in the Sahel: Current State, Prospects, and Recommendations for Russia”
№ 36 (94), 2025. PIR Center hosted a seminar titled “Uranium Competition in the Sahel: Current State, Prospects, and Recommendations for Russia”
MOSCOW, OCTOBER 24, 2025. PIR PRESS. «The Sahel region possesses significant reserves of unexplored mineral resources, including uranium, which opens prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation with Russia, given the limited capabilities of local states and international risks. For successful projects, a comprehensive approach is necessary, including the development of infrastructure, logistics, social, and military support», – Ms. Alexandra Zubenko, PIR Center Consultant.
PIR Center, jointly with MGIMO University, hosted a seminar “Uranium Competition in the Sahel: Current State, Prospects, and Recommendations for Russia.” This major event was held as part of the cooperation between PIR Center and MGIMO under the “Priority-2030” Strategic Academic Leadership Program. During the event, a research paper by Ms. Alexandra Zubenko, PIR Center Consultant, was presented.
PIR Center highlights the importance of the Sahel region, which has become a central “hub” of influence struggles in Africa in recent years. Its strategic location, abundant natural resources, and significance for regional and international security attract the attention of global powers.
Russia, with its historically strong ties to African countries and lack of a colonial past, has a unique strategic advantage to strengthen its presence in the Sahel. Possessing advanced technologies in nuclear energy, Russia can offer the region not only expertise in uranium extraction but also support in developing nuclear power. Russia’s political connections with African nations reinforce trust in its presence, opening additional opportunities for cooperation in energy, security, and other critical areas.
During the seminar, PIR Center Founding Director, Dr. Vladimir Orlov, delivered an introductory comment in which he highlighted the increasing importance of the region for Russia’s foreign policy interests and the emergence of new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation, including in uranium extraction and processing.
The primary focus of the report was on the countries of the “Sahel Five” (Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Chad), which are key players regarding the prospects for uranium exploration and extraction in the region.
The report also analysed in detail how the situation in neighbouring countries – Libya, the Central African Republic, and Sudan – impacts the security of supply chains in the region.
Ms. Alexandra Zubenko pointed out that security in the Sahel has worsened after 2022, with increases in terrorism, political instability, organized crime, migration flows, and humanitarian crises, all of which negatively impact the region’s economic situation, as shown by a decline in investment inflows.
However, the current situation also opens new political opportunities for the countries of the region. In particular, the striving of states for a more independent foreign policy attracts alternative partners such as Russia and China.
One of the results of the new foreign policy approach was the establishment of the Alliance of Sahel States, aimed at addressing shared security challenges.
The expert highlighted that, in light of recent political developments, Russia is increasing collaboration with Sahel countries in the military, mining, and nuclear sectors. Agreements on strategic partnerships have been signed, and diplomatic presence has been reestablished.
However, the long-term success of Russian policy will depend on several internal political factors and Moscow’s capacity to reduce significant political and economic risks linked to business projects in the region.
At the end of the presentation, Ms. Alexandra Zubenko shared the main conclusions and recommendations from her report:
The region holds significant uranium reserves, but most are at the preliminary exploration stage. Currently, uranium is only mined in Niger. As of January 1, 2023, Niger’s confirmed Reasonably Assured Resources (RAR) of uranium totalled approximately 315,170 tons, including estimated resources of 138,795 tons. However, extraction and exploration are highly challenging due to political instability, terrorist activity, and a developed shadow market for mineral extraction and sales. Uranium- and gold-bearing mines are often targets of attacks by armed groups aiming to seize control of vital resources and territories. This enables them to finance their operations, expand influence over nearby populations, and control logistics and infrastructure;
In this context, mining companies in the region face various risks. First, foreign companies must ensure that their projects are fully supported by secure infrastructure, logistics, and personnel due to the region’s limited resources. Second, high political risks persist for foreign businesses, including those in the mining industry. For example, Western companies — such as the French Orano and the Canadian GoviEx – lost their licenses for uranium extraction in Niger after the departure of pro-French President Mohamed Bazoum in 2023. Third, mining projects require substantial funding to secure the entire cycle of extraction, processing, and transportation of uranium. Currently, this task is more complicated because, under sanctions pressure on the Alliance of Sahel States (Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso), many traditional uranium supply routes are either inaccessible or pose the risk of new sanctions;
The emergence of new players like Russia and China, amid declining Western influence, offers Russia unique opportunities to strengthen its position. Russia has extensive experience providing military aid to African nations, a deep understanding of the region and its complex issues, and a flexible, competitive industrial sector. These factors give Moscow a clear advantage in entering the Sahel market for uranium extraction and processing;
Some countries also show interest in developing nuclear energy, but cooperation opportunities are limited due to scarce resources and personnel in the region, as well as significant risks related to the physical security of nuclear facilities;
Beyond uranium extraction and nuclear energy development, regional countries are interested in applying nuclear technologies in medicine, agriculture, and ecology to tackle issues like food shortages, diseases, and droughts;
Russia can offer Africa unique opportunities in nuclear energy, security, and social initiatives, strengthening its strategic position through long-term investments and partnerships in areas such as infrastructure and security;
It is crucial to consider the environmental and social impacts of projects, including training local personnel, creating jobs, and providing humanitarian support to ensure the sustainability and long-term credibility of Russian initiatives;
Strengthening cooperation with the Sahel and developing transnational industrial complexes in the region will help Russia mitigate risks related to instability and improve its standing as a global partner in energy and security.
After the presentation, Russian experts shared their comments.
Dr. Mikhail Margelov, Member of PIR Center Advisory Board and Vice President of the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), emphasized the importance of developing and defining Russia’s unique value proposition in uranium extraction and nuclear energy, highlighting the technological and economic advantages of Rosatom over other players.
The expert noted the need for a broader approach to the Sahel region, including not only Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso but also other key countries such as Libya, Sudan, Eritrea, and Cameroon, where there may also be opportunities for geological exploration.
Attention was drawn to Algeria as an essential player in uranium extraction, especially considering the Taharhad deposit, which should be examined in light of strong Russian-Algerian ties in military-technical cooperation.
Dr. Margelov pointed out that the political situation in Africa, particularly in the Sahel countries, remains unstable, making long-term investments and partnerships, such as those in nuclear energy, risky. The speaker emphasized the importance of considering these changes over a 5-10-year horizon.
Dr. Oleg Barabanov (Russian Academy of Sciences, Program Director of the Valdai Club) praised the report for being well-structured and comprehensive. The expert suggested including more detailed explanations about uranium-bearing minerals and their geological features, as some descriptions are too broad and complex for non-specialists to understand. Dr. Barabanov also mentioned risks for Rosatom in uranium extraction in Niger, including infrastructure costs, security issues, and regional political instability.
The expert questioned the profitability of building nuclear power plants in Niger and other Sahel countries, raising concerns about water supply for NPPs, personnel training, and the long-term economic viability of such projects. The speaker recommended conducting an economic analysis to estimate how profitable developing nuclear energy in Africa could be, taking into account local conditions, water shortages, and staffing challenges.
Dr. Barabanov further emphasized the importance of evaluating Russia’s long-term commercial strategy in Africa, especially regarding nuclear energy and uranium extraction, considering the region’s political and economic instability.
Dr. Denis Degterev, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, focused on the economics of Sahel conflicts and suggested assessing how revenues from illegal mining influence the funding of armed groups. The expert recommended creating comparative tables to compile information by country and to present a comparative analysis of business conditions in the Sahel, also considering that some issues are transboundary and not limited to individual countries.
Dr. Degterev also highlighted the significance of the conflict economy in the Sahel, where uranium and other resources are often extracted under terrorist organizations’ control, requiring dedicated in-depth research.
It was also advised to look into the Soviet experience in Africa, especially in countries like Mali, where the USSR contributed to developing territorial production complexes.
Mr. Grigory Shalamov, PhD in Political Science and Senior Specialist of the Department of Africa and Latin America at the State Corporation Rosatom, also provided a written comment. The expert pointed out that the report is highly relevant and a significant contribution to understanding Russia’s opportunities in the uranium market in the Sahel region.
The expert emphasized that the report thoroughly examines the current issues and challenges facing the region, as well as potential ways for Russia to deepen cooperation with regional states in trade, economic, and political areas.
Dr. Vsevolod Sviridov, Deputy Director of the Center for African Studies at the Higher School of Economics (HSE), commented that the report has several strengths. The expert highlighted the importance of the topic since the uranium sector in Sahel countries is central to global geopolitical and energy interests, making this study timely and relevant.
Dr. Sviridov also noted that using satellite image analysis to evaluate individual projects adds innovation to the research and offers a solid empirical basis.
The numerical analysis of the mining sector’s contribution to national income is a key strength. Extending this approach to all countries in the region would be especially beneficial.
A significant advantage is the systematic organization of the legislative frameworks governing mining industries in Sahel countries.
Attention to political and legal constraints, as well as the impacts of coups, also enhances the report’s practical relevance.
Following the seminar “Uranium Competition in the Sahel: Current State, Prospects, and Recommendations for Russia”, which was hosted on 18 September 2025, on 25 September students from PIR Center’s Master’s Program in “International Security,” offered jointly with MGIMO University, presented on various aspects of the relationships between Western countries, China, and Russia with the states of the Sahel as part of the course “Non-Traditional Security Threats.”
Li Ming, a second-year student of the MA program “International Security,” delivered a report on “Prospects for China’s Relations with the Sahel States in Strategic Fields.”
In her presentation, she thoroughly discussed the challenges of security governance in the Sahel from China’s perspective, focusing on issues like ethnic conflicts, crime, and terrorism.
Most of the attention was on China’s reasons for deepening cooperation with the Sahel, including protecting and advancing its interests in Africa, expanding new arms markets, and providing humanitarian aid.
Mr. Viktor Kuritsyn, also a second-year MA program “International Security” student, presented a report titled “Prospects for Relations between Western Countries and the Sahel States in Strategic Fields,” where he explored key factors impacting security and development in the region.
One significant topic was the financial systems of the Sahel states, highlighting two major economic groups: the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and the Economic Community of Central African States (CEMAC).
Students’ reports also covered France’s military operations in the region, especially Operation Serval in Mali, launched in January 2013, which resulted in significant victories, including the capture of key cities such as Timbuktu and Kidal.
The speaker paid particular attention to EU policy, noting that Brussels developed a Security and Development Strategy for the Sahel, emphasizing four main themes: integration, regional cooperation, capacity building, and the synergy between security and development.
Mr. Kuritsyn highlighted that the EU actively employs various tools to support these initiatives, including the EU Fund, special programs, and the Sahel Alliance platform, which coordinates efforts among donors and regional states in areas like education, agriculture, energy, climate, and governance.
Mr. Ahmat Tahir Bahit, a first-year MA program “International Security” student, delivered a report on “Relations of Various States with the Sahel Countries,” analyzing the development prospects of relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Chad in detail.
In the presentation, the speaker emphasized the importance of President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno’s official visit to Moscow in January 2024, which will be the first visit by a Chadian head of state to Russia since 1968.
According to the speaker, this visit marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations, occurring against the backdrop of a geopolitical shift characterized by declining Western influence in Africa and the emergence of new strategic partnerships.
Mr. Ahmat highlighted Chad’s goal of strategic diversification, which helps reduce dependence on France and bolsters national sovereignty.
For Russia, Chad is a key partner in the Sahel – an area dealing with terrorism and political instability.
The speaker also stressed the importance of having a long-term vision to ensure the economic sustainability and mutual benefits of projects, as well as Chad’s potential role as a bridge between Russia and other Central African countries.
In conclusion, Mr. Ahmat stated that the future of Russia-Chad relations will depend on both countries’ ability to develop a strategic partnership that respects the long-term interests of the Chadian people and considers complex geopolitical realities.
As part of this project, PIR Center conducts thorough analyses of the continent’s geopolitical landscape, assesses risks and opportunities for Russia, and promotes dialogue on global security, high technologies, and other key sectors such as energy and sustainable development.
Also, within the project, from October 1 to 6, 2024, Moscow hosted the “1st Russian-African Forum of Young International Relations Professionals on Security and Development,” organized by PIR Center jointly with Rossotrudnichestvo and MGIMO University. The forum brought together diplomats, military officers, politicians, and representatives of science, education, and the media from African countries such as the Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and South Africa. Among the participants were also students of the Master’s Program “International Security”. The forum served as a platform for lectures by Russian experts and discussions on key security issues in Africa and the world.
