№ 50, 2024. The Security Index (in Russian) came out with the new report «From the Gulf to Sub-Saharan Africa: Digital Technology Development and Russia’s Interests» by Dr. Leonid Tsukanov

MOSCOW. DECEMBER 3, 2024. PIR PRESS. The Security Index (in Russian) came out with the new report «From the Gulf to Sub-Saharan Africa: Digital Technology Development and Russia’s Interests» by Dr. Leonid Tsukanov.

Digital technologies are playing an increasingly significant role in global politics and economics. As the global networked society continues to develop, the need for nation-states to employ high-tech tools to achieve domestic and foreign policy goals is becoming fundamental. This is driven by aspirations to secure advantageous positions in the emerging high-tech world.

Using examples from the Gulf States and Sub-Saharan Africa, the author highlights key aspects of cooperation, including digital security, the use of digital technologies in the economy and public administration, the development of artificial intelligence, and software engineering. Despite cultural and economic differences, both regions face similar challenges in digitalization, creating favorable conditions for Russia’s collaboration with local stakeholders.

Key findings:

• The scale of the digital divide in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Gulf region varies significantly from country to country, even within the same region. Joint approaches to ensuring security and fostering political-economic cooperation in the digital sphere have yet to stand the test of time and largely remain reactive.

• In addition to the late entry of most of these states into the digital domain, common challenges for Sub-Saharan African and Gulf countries include legislative inertia, the persistence of outdated government institutions with overlapping functions, and imbalances in the dialogue between governments and the business sector.

• Russia’s experience as an active player in the global digital space is of significant interest and demand in both Sub-Saharan Africa and the Gulf region.

• Competition for the markets of the Gulf countries and Sub-Saharan Africa is currently high, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software development.

• The top three leaders in the pace and scale of developing sector-specific dialogue are (in descending order of influence) China, the United States, and EU countries. India is rapidly gaining momentum. Russia seeks to avoid confrontation with any leading tech players, instead promoting principles of open and fair competition.

The report has been prepared within the framework of the «Global Security, Strategic Stability, and Arms Control» Project under the auspices of the «Priority-2030» Strategic Academic Leadership Program.

Key words: Digital Technology; Middle East; Africa

GULF, AFR

F4/SOR – 24/12/03