On December 5, at the Export Reload – 2025 conference in Krasnoyarsk, Vadim Glushchenko, Director of the Center for Global IT Cooperation, spoke at the plenary session and a roundtable, outlining practical approaches for Russian IT companies entering the markets of the Global South and Africa.
During the plenary discussion, participants reviewed key models for promoting digital products internationally. It was noted that the growing demand for digitalization, AI, cloud infrastructure, and specialized IT solutions is creating favorable conditions for Russian companies. Among the success factors highlighted were product adaptation to local conditions, partnership chains with integrators, and joint pilot projects.
As Vadim Glushchenko emphasized:
“Russian companies have already demonstrated that they can successfully operate in emerging markets. Today, it is important not only to enter new countries but also to systematically build long-term presence — through partnerships, localization, and expanding product capabilities with AI technologies.”
At the roundtable “From Siberia to Africa,” experts presented current trends in the digital transformation of African countries. They highlighted the stable growth in demand for cloud technologies, fintech, cybersecurity, telecom software, and educational and medical technologies. Africa remains one of the most dynamic digital markets in the world, where technological needs significantly outpace the current capacity of local providers.
The discussion also covered key barriers — diverse regulatory environments, the need for local presence, cultural specifics, financial risks, and practical guidance for companies exploring opportunities in Africa. Among the recommendations were rapid pilot deployments, cooperation with local partners, interface and documentation adaptation, and the use of export support instruments.
Discussions across both sessions demonstrated that Russian digital companies have real opportunities to strengthen their positions in international markets — particularly in regions where demand for technology is growing fast.
