On August 19, 2025, the Library of Foreign Literature hosted the Southern African Development Community Day. The SADC’s primary goal, besides regional socio-economic cooperation and integration, is to cooperate to showcase the culture among 16 countries in southern Africa. In Moscow, the heads and representatives of the diplomatic missions of Angola, Brazil, Venezuela, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Senegal, Tanzania, and South Africa took part in the gala cultural event. 

“It is a great honor to host this important event right here, within the walls of an institution with more than a century of history. Our library has always been and remains a place where different cultures meet, where dialogue on friendship between countries grows stronger. I am confident to take Russian-African cultural relations to a qualitatively new cultural and diplomatic level,” Marina Zakharenko, Director General of the Library of Foreign Literature, said at the opening ceremony.

The Chairman of SADC in Moscow, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Zimbabwe to the Russian Federation, Gray Mark Marongwe, noted the growing dynamics of relations between African countries and the Russian Federation. He also presented a certificate of gratitude to the library for its active participation and support in celebrating SADC Day in 2024 and 2025.

SADC emerged as a result of cooperation between countries at the forefront of the struggle against apartheid, such as Mozambique, Angola, Zambia, and Tanzania. These states provided comprehensive support to the independence movements in Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa. That, however, Russia, China, Nigeria, and other countries with progressive views played an important role in this process. 

“We sincerely hope that our interaction here in Russia will also contribute to the development of economic and diplomatic ties and the strengthening of cooperation between the Russian Federation and the SADC member countries,” explained Gray Mark Marongwe.

Director of the Department of Partnership with Africa of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Tatyana Dovgalenko, said that Russia views Africa as an important and promising partner and intends to continue to strengthen and expand cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. Russia and the countries of Southern Africa are linked by long-standing ties of friendship and partnership. 

Russia and the countries of Southern Africa are linked by long-standing ties of friendship and partnership. During the period of decolonization, the Soviet Union provided comprehensive and selfless assistance to our African friends in the struggle for freedom and independence and consistently contributed to the formation of young states, strengthening their economies and defense capabilities, education, and healthcare systems. After the Soviet collapse, Russia has taken over the same role in Africa.

In the 21st century, after the breakthrough, as noted by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Russia-Africa summits, Russia’s relations are developing on the rise. An important component of this cooperation is the expansion and deepening of interaction with the continent’s integration associations. This is one of the key tasks of the new Department of Partnership with Africa, created by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2025. Tatyana Dovgalenko was appointed as the Director of the Department of Partnership with Africa of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

At the exhibition, deployed in the Atrium of the Library, guests were able to get acquainted with the rich cultural heritage and tourist diversity of the southern African region. The exhibition presented a unique fusion of tradition and modernity, reflected in works of art, decorative and applied arts, and household items.

The culmination of SADC Day was a concert, which featured musical and dance groups representing various countries of the region. The audience was able to enjoy the fiery rhythms of African music, see bright national costumes, and feel the unique atmosphere of Southern Africa. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is an intergovernmental organization headquartered in Gaborone, Botswana.