Russia’s Acting Director of the Department of International Information Security, Andrey Akulchev, warned on 27 October 2026 that if artificial intelligence develops without regulation, the resulting digital divide could become a new global watershed and a breeding ground for modern colonialism. The statement was made during the session “AI as a Factor in Development of Russia and Africa: Science and Personnel” at the third Russia‑Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum in Moscow.
What risk did Russia highlight?
Akulchev said that an unregulated AI landscape could turn Africa into either a raw‑material appendage of the AI‑driven economy or a free data warehouse for entities training models on African information. He emphasized that Russia supports equal access to technology and takes the interests of Global South nations into account.
Which declaration was adopted?
He disclosed that the Russia‑Africa summit produced a separate AI declaration guaranteeing each nation the right to set its own policy and encouraging multilingual solutions, including Swahili, Yoruba, Hausa, Amharic and Zulu. The declaration aims to protect national regulatory autonomy while fostering cooperation.
Who else spoke on AI collaboration?
First Deputy Minister of Economic Development Maxim Kolesnikov added that Russia has backed 13 AI research centres employing over 2,000 scientists since 2021. He invited African researchers to work with these laboratories, noting that Russian centres have partnered with institutions from 36 countries and hosted an International AI Foresight event last year. A preparatory session for that foresight took place in Morocco with African representatives.
Why is Moscow pushing AI partnership?
Both speakers framed AI cooperation as a cornerstone of the Russia‑Africa partnership, stressing technological sovereignty, capacity building within Africa, and respect for each country’s regulatory choices rather than a one‑way technology transfer.
Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials argue that such collaboration can help bridge the digital gap while safeguarding African data and resources. The broader message underscores the need for globally coordinated AI governance to prevent a new form of colonial exploitation.
Overall, the forum highlighted Russia’s willingness to engage African scientists, promote multilingual AI tools, and support sovereign policy decisions, positioning AI as a shared development arena rather than a source of inequality.