Moscow: Experts have discussed how growing global instability and African states' gravitation towards a multipolar world are changing formats of bilateral cooperation and shifting Russian-African relations from a purely economic dimension to a center of geopolitical and strategic decisions. According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the event marking Africa Day was attended by notable experts including Director of the HORN International Institute for Strategic Studies Hassan Khannenje, Executive Director of the Institute for Global Dialogue (South Africa) Philani Mthembu, Chief of the Technology and Innovation Section at the UN Economic Commission for Africa Mactar Seck, Lead Researcher at the Institute of Foreign Affairs (Ethiopia) Dareskedar Taye, Sputnik Africa Director Viktoria Budanova, Deputy Director of the Center for African Studies at the Higher School of Economics Vsevolod Sviridov, and Senior Lecturer at the Department of Theory and History of International Relations of Patrice Lumumba People's Friend ship University of Russia Claire Amuhaya. Chief of the Technology and Innovation Section at the UN Economic Commission for Africa, Mactar Seck, highlighted the development of Russian-African cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital technology. He emphasized the progress of joint initiatives, referencing the Congo African Centre of Artificial Intelligence, which Russia supports. Director of the HORN International Institute for Strategic Studies, Hassan Khannenje, underscored the importance of a system-wide foundation for cooperation. Khannenje pointed to the necessity of strategic engagement at local, regional, and continental levels to enhance Russia-Africa relations. Lead Researcher at the Institute of Foreign Affairs (Ethiopia), Dareskedar Taye, discussed the prospects for bilateral cooperation between Russia and Ethiopia, particularly in the field of food security. He highlighted the significance of producing food locally in Africa to counter global supply chain disruptions. Executive Directo r of the Institute for Global Dialogue (South Africa), Philani Mthembu, remarked on the strategic nature of Russian-African relations, noting Africa's use of these ties to expand its policy space amidst global political changes. Sputnik Africa Director, Viktoria Budanova, addressed the development of media cooperation, stressing the importance of expanding the media presence in Africa. She highlighted Sputnik Africa's initiatives, including opening a representative office in the African Union and producing news in the Amharic language. Deputy Director of the Center for African Studies at the Higher School of Economics, Vsevolod Sviridov, noted the diversification of Russia-Africa cooperation beyond traditional sectors such as agriculture and energy, emphasizing the expansion into new areas of engagement. Senior Lecturer at the Department of Theory and History of International Relations of Patrice Lumumba People's Friendship University of Russia, Claire Amuhaya, spoke on the potential for cooperation in ene rgy, vital minerals, and water resources. She emphasized the importance of involving African states in international energy institutions to help them develop independently.