In recent years, Azerbaijan’s relations with African countries have developed rapidly, driven by several factors. Above all, Azerbaijan’s full restoration of its territorial integrity and its aspiration to play a more active role not only in its own region but also in international affairs presupposed building closer ties with the Global South. African countries in this regard have been and continue to be considered among the most promising partners.
Moreover, recent experience and global trends have shown that only by playing an independent role in international affairs can a country strengthen its position on the global stage. In one of his interviews, President Ilham Aliyev specifically emphasized that deepening ties with African countries is one of the priorities of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy.
In this context, the visit of Rwandan President Paul Kagame to Azerbaijan on September 19–21 became a landmark event, demonstrating that Baku’s African policy is no longer just declarative but is gaining institutional and practical substance. For Azerbaijan, this represents an important stage in its strategy of consolidating its role as a middle power capable of serving as a mediator not only between Europe and Asia but also more broadly between countries situated at different poles of global politics.
The fact that Kagame’s trip marked the fourth visit to Baku by a Sub-Saharan African leader—after the presidents of Congo, Guinea-Bissau, and Somalia—confirms the systematic nature of this course. Preparations for Kagame’s visit had been underway for several years. In 2024–2025, Azerbaijani delegations, including representatives of ministries and state agencies, visited Kigali to outline areas of cooperation.
A milestone was the round of political consultations held in January 2025, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev, which covered a wide range of issues—from education and finance to agriculture and innovation. At the same time, interaction intensified around ASAN Xidmət, Azerbaijan’s digital public service model, which drew interest in Rwanda.
The signing of a memorandum to establish a similar center in Kigali marked a step toward institutional partnership and the export of Azerbaijani governance practices. On the humanitarian side, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, led by Leyla Aliyeva, strengthened cultural and educational ties, demonstrating Baku’s readiness for long-term engagement.
This groundwork paved the way for high-level talks in Baku. During Kagame’s visit, agreements were signed covering aviation, education, agriculture, and digital services. These documents underlined the parties’ intention to give their relations concrete substance.
The air transport agreement opens the possibility of direct routes between the Caucasus and East Africa, potentially boosting trade and tourism. Educational accords aim to build human capital through academic exchanges, while the agricultural memorandum provides access to advanced agrotechnologies and new markets.
Particularly significant is cooperation in public services and innovation, where Azerbaijan’s expertise can be valuable given Rwanda’s push for digital governance. The political significance of the visit goes beyond bilateral deals. For Baku, the African dimension is becoming part of a broader strategy to expand the geography of its foreign and economic relations.
By offering institutional models and governance solutions, Azerbaijan is building soft power and reinforcing its role within the Non-Aligned Movement and the Global South. For Rwanda, cooperation with Azerbaijan provides an opportunity to diversify external partnerships, strengthen its regional position, and attract investment into an economy that has shown steady growth—about 9% in 2024 and an expected 7% in 2025.
Against this backdrop, Rwanda’s interest in Azerbaijan’s modernization and institution-building experience appears natural. Kagame’s visit also reflects a wider process of shaping a new architecture of Azerbaijan–Africa relations.
It demonstrates that Baku is building a long-term strategy for presence on the continent, seeking not just isolated projects but a sustainable network of partnerships. This enables Azerbaijan to strengthen its standing in international organizations, raise its profile at the UN and in the Non-Aligned Movement, while African states gain access to new sources of investment, technologies, and educational programs.
Looking ahead, Kagame’s trip may act as a catalyst for further initiatives and visits by other African leaders, turning Baku into a crossroads of Eurasian and African interests and reinforcing its ambitions as an independent actor in global politics.
Ilgar Velizade
