Samara Polytech Strengthens Ties with African Nations

Russia-Africa partnership expands into science and education

MOSCOW — Samara State Technical University (Samara Polytech) is actively expanding its footprint in Africa, following high-level talks at the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum. The event was held in Moscow on October 28–29 as part of the third Russia-Africa Summit.

During the summit, Anna Zotova, Samara Polytech’s Vice-Rector for International Cooperation, engaged in strategic discussions with several African delegations to forge new academic and scientific alliances.

In a meeting with Tanzania’s Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Caroline Nombo, talks centered on upgrading professional development and continuing education programs for industrial workers. The two sides also focused on boosting the participation of Tanzanian school and university students in Samara Polytech's signature academic competitions, the "SAMMAT" and "Samara Polytech" olympiads.

Separately, Zotova met with the delegation from the Republic of Madagascar to exchange views on joint educational tracks and initiatives aimed at promoting the Russian language on the island nation.

Forging ties with Madagascan higher education institutions has become a strategic priority for Samara Polytech. The foundation for this close partnership was laid in June 2026, during an official visit by the university's Rector, Dmitry Bykov, to the capital city of Antananarivo.

Underscoring this growing relationship, the Russian House in Madagascar yesterday hosted a virtual meeting bringing together Russian and Madagascan organizations dedicated to supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Samara Polytech played a pivotal role in orchestrating the talks.

The online roundtable featured Natasha Rasamouli, head of the Madagascan association "Namana Hafakely"; Irina Nesterova, head of Samara Polytech’s health resort and clinic; and representatives from the Samara Regional Center for Psychological, Pedagogical, Medical, and Social Assistance. The participants discussed future collaboration and the development of joint initiatives to support children with autism and their families.

"The Samara school of support for children with ASD has reached a highly sophisticated level of quality," Nesterova noted. "We have established a comprehensive, systemic approach in the region, spanning from early diagnostics to full-scale rehabilitation. Our colleagues from Madagascar have expressed a keen interest in adopting the Samara model."