With influencer ads and high-profile marketing campaigns, Russia’s global outreach program is operating across Africa, offering young women work-study opportunities in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone. Fliers and promotional materials for the program feature images of smiling young African women working as technicians and waitresses. However, reports in international media suggest that the reality of working in Alabuga is far grimmer than the version being marketed.

On this week’s episode, Senior Reporter Antony Sguazzin joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explore whether the scheme’s claims hold up under scrutiny and how Interpol is investigating allegations that the program amounts to human trafficking. Instead of providing genuine job opportunities, it may be placing young African women at risk in a war zone.

You can read Antony’s reporting on the Alabuga Start programme here.

For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter here

With influencer ads and high-profile marketing campaigns, Russia&rsquo;s global outreach program is operating across Africa, offering young women work-study opportunities in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone. Fliers and promotional materials for the program feature images of smiling young African women working as technicians and waitresses. However, reports in international media suggest that the reality of working in Alabuga is far grimmer than the version being marketed.
On this week&rsquo;s episode, Senior Reporter Antony Sguazzin joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explore whether the scheme&rsquo;s claims hold up under scrutiny and how Interpol is investigating allegations that the program amounts to human trafficking. Instead of providing genuine job opportunities, it may be placing young African women at risk in a war zone.
You can read Antony&rsquo;s reporting on the Alabuga Start programme <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-25/russia-expands-outreach-for-youth-work-program-linked-to-drone-production">here</a>. For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/account/newsletters/next-africa?sref=OOcVchU0"> here</a>

Each week, Jennifer Zabasajja provides a deep dive into the business stories that shape Africa. Join Jennifer and our Bloomberg reporters as they lift the lid on the news driving the continent. 

Each week, Jennifer Zabasajja provides a deep dive into the business stories that shape Africa. Join Jennifer and our Bloomberg reporters as they lift the lid on the news driving the continent.

Inside the stories shaping the world’s fastest-growing continent.

Next Africa

Each week, Jennifer Zabasajja provides a deep dive into the stories that shape Africa. Join Jennifer and our Bloomberg reporters as they lift the lid on the news driving the continent. 

Each week, Jennifer Zabasajja provides a deep dive into the stories that shape Africa. Join Jennifer and our Bloomberg reporters as they lift the lid on the news driving the continent.

Is Russia Recruiting Young African Women To Make Drones?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/14babc51-719f-4a06-986f-b2d1009f639c/transcript

Advertisement