Ghana and Russia are exploring new partnerships to deepen educational, cultural and international cooperation. 

The decision was arrived at during the Technoprom-2026 forum held in Russia.

The forum brought together representatives from government, science, education and business from across the world.

It was also attended by the Russian House of the Center for Public Diplomacy in Ghana which provided an opportunity to contribute to international dialogue, exchange ideas and explore initiatives that could further strengthen Russia-Ghana relations in education and culture.

Among the speakers at the forum were Ghana’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Dr Koma Steem Jehu-Appiah, who said the country remained open to educational opportunities that could equip its citizens with skills needed to contribute to national development.

Speaking during a panel session on “African Specialists for African Countries,” which examined prospects for Russia-Africa educational cooperation, targeted education programmes and the training of specialists in areas of demand across the continent, he stressed that the objective of sending students abroad should not end with acquiring academic qualifications, but should ensure that graduates returned with expertise that could be applied to transform their economies.

“Ghana is open to educational opportunities.

The goal of education is not simply to educate a student abroad, but to ensure that the graduate helps their home country transform its economy,” he said.

Meetings

The forum also featured a meeting between the Governor of the Novosibirsk Region, Andrey Travnikov, and representatives of foreign delegations.

The discussions focused on the region’s digital opportunities as well as its scientific and educational potential.

The meeting was also attended by the Head of the partner Russian House of the Center for Public Diplomacy in Ghana, Polina Kvitnykh.

Another major platform at the forum was a round table on “Experience in Implementing Russia–Africa Educational Projects,” which reviewed the experiences of joint initiatives involving universities, research organisations and public institutions in Russia and Africa.

Participants discussed ways to expand successful educational projects to strengthen partnerships between institutions on both sides.

Expanded operations

The Director-General of the Center for Public Diplomacy, Dmitry Savelyev, said the centre had expanded its operations across Africa, with representative offices now established in 12 African countries.

He said participation in its language and educational programmes had increased significantly, from more than 750 people in 2025 to over 1,500 in 2026.

Mr Savelyev further disclosed that about 300 graduates of the centre’s programmes were expected to enrol in Russian universities this year.

The Executive Director of the Center for Public Diplomacy, Natalia Krasovskaya, said the organisation was helping prepare African students for studies in Russian universities while supporting their eventual return to their home countries.

She said the programmes focused on improving school education and providing students with the Russian language skills required for further studies at preparatory faculties.

“In specialised classes, we provide more in-depth instruction in key subjects,” she said, adding that targeted education programmes were also being used to address challenges associated with graduates returning to their home countries