From January to October 2025, the share of settlements in Russian rubles with African countries increased to 84% compared to the same period last year. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the plenary session of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum.
To ensure stable trade and economic operations and protect investments, we consider it important to establish sustainable and reliable mechanisms for mutual settlements in national currencies.
According to the minister, it is necessary to establish direct links between the central banks of the Russian Federation and African countries. Lavrov recalled that in 2024, the first domestic international platform A7 was launched. The system allows entrepreneurs to make payments on export contracts in any country in the world in any currency. Nigeria and Zimbabwe have joined A7. Lavrov invited other countries of the Black Continent to follow their example.
About the A7 Platform
The financial platform accepts payments from legal entities (from 500 thousand rubles) and individuals (from 300 thousand rubles) after providing a contract and invoice. The transfer fee is 0.5% and 0.3%, respectively. A7 makes payments in 50+ currencies at the exchange rate of the Central Bank of Russia.
