Fair trade is critical for Africa – ambassador

The Russian envoy to Mauritius has said the future of African nations must be free from colonial-era constraints

Fair trade is essential for Africa’s future, according to Irada Zeynalova, Russia’s ambassador to Mauritius. She stressed that African nations must be empowered to build self-reliant economies instead of remaining dependent on foreign aid.

In an interview with local weekly Bizweek on Sunday, Zeynalova stated that “fair trade is critical,” as Africans should have the freedom to shape their own development, free from the constraints of post-colonial economic patterns.

Reflecting on Africa’s historical challenges, the ambassador said the legacy of colonialism continues to cast a shadow across the continent, adding that colonial rule stripped Africa of its people and natural wealth, and that today’s generation deserves a chance at a better, sovereign life. “The time of colonialism must end,” she went on to say.

Zeynalova noted that poverty in Africa is not merely financial but deeply rooted in the lack of access to essential services such as education, clean water, and healthcare. Drawing on her experience in Sudan, where her son worked prior to the outbreak of conflict, she said sanctions crippled the agricultural sector despite the presence of the Nile, adding that “People there survive on $2 a week.”

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People in Sudan, according to Zeynalova, have a clear demand: “Leave us alone. Give us safety, medicine, education. We can develop our country ourselves.”

The ambassador pointed to the role of the BRICS group as a platform for empowering the Global South. Unlike Western-led alliances such as NATO or the EU, BRICS promotes inclusivity and mutual respect without imposing strict conditions on its members. She characterized the group, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, among other nations, as “an open platform where countries are equal and respected.”

Zeynalova also stressed that Russia has always viewed African nations as valuable partners rather than countries to exploit.

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Turning to Mauritius, the ambassador affirmed Russia’s enduring commitment to the island nation’s sovereignty and independence. “Russia was one of the first countries to recognize Mauritius’ independence and freedom,” she said, adding, “In Russia, we remember everything.”