"Russia Doesn't Withdraw in Difficult Times": Andrei Gromov on the Soviet Legacy, New Opportunities, and Competition with China
Russia is preparing for the third Russia-Africa Summit, which will be held in Moscow in October. Andrei Gromov, co-founder of the Globus Association and founder of the GR-Group consulting agency, spoke to Komsomolskaya Pravda about what hinders domestic business and why Africans still remember the USSR fondly.
Gromov acknowledged that Russia is not a leader in Africa—it's only just catching up on cooperation lost during the difficult 1990s and early 2000s. But the foundation laid by the USSR remains strong.
"The USSR built a different civilizational model to counter the white Europeans who came for resources. People remember a different attitude: interaction with ordinary people, order on the streets, high moral standards. This legacy is still alive," he noted.
The key difference between Russia and China, the Globus founder believes, is their comprehensive approach.
"China comes, makes money, and if something goes wrong, it leaves. Russia doesn't retreat during difficult times. We understand the African business culture and strive to find solutions even in difficult situations," he emphasized.
Speaking about prospects, the expert called Africa the fastest-growing market.
"The consumption gap is 30-50 years. In the next 10 years, Africa will follow the path of the Arab countries: skyscrapers will rise. Even in one or two years, one can see how a country significantly improves its infrastructure," Gromov concluded.