Africa has become a key battleground for global influence, with major powers competing for control. Its rich natural resources, young population, and growing economy have attracted global actors, including China, Russia, the United States and the European Union. Putin is expanding influence in the continent through media, including in South Africa, where ties with Moscow date back to the Soviet era. The Russian narrative disseminated in the media stresses the fact that Russia has never been a colonial power and has never had imperialist ambitions. On March 6, 2025, Russia’s State Duma hosted the Russia-Africa Information Bridge to boost its media presence on the continent. As part of this initiative, Russia plans to establish collaboration centres with African bloggers, expand its Russian television network in Africa, and support African “Orthodox bloggers”.