The Nigerian Minister of Trade and Investment at the Nigerian Embassy in Moscow, Mr. Seyi Onafowokan, has completed his diplomatic assignment and returned to Nigeria. During his tenure, he worked to improve Nigeria's image in the Russian business community and facilitate trade and investment between the two countries through conferences, exhibitions, and seminars. His efforts helped establish stronger economic ties, with several major Russian deals and investments in Nigeria's aluminum and energy sectors. While challenges remain, he leaves a positive legacy of advancing Nigeria-Russia commercial relations.
1. My Africa Magazine 1
Ambassador’s Message
put in place some flexible laws
on transacting business with
fairness. Business protection
is guaranteed and returns
could be very substantial. This
is something you, as business
people at this forum, can
carefully reflect on.
As we move further with
business activities of various
kinds, we seriously look
forward to your commitment.
We would like you to be
permanent readers, source
of support and keep the
discussions lively and provide
numerous readers an insight
into the business world. The
publishers always welcome
your contributions, conference
decisions and new trends
in today’s markets on the
magazine’s pages.
We would like to convey
our collective gratitude to all
those involved in developing
W
e began the year 2007 on a sound note with a lot African-Russian economic partnership and mutual
of business conferences, seminars, trade fairs and business and thus strengthening the relationship
forum taking place across the African continent between the two parties.
and, of course, in Russia where we are located. The The importance of this cannot be underestimated and
issue of doing a good business with good strategies in we wish that all your business conference and seminars
order to realize maximum profit, and even finding a good as well as important corporate events of your companies
understanding partner, has been the goal of many investors are given adequate publicity that they require.
and business people both inside Africa and in Russia. And we look ahead with the sincere hope that you will
It is important to point out straight away that as a consider putting on your agenda “business in Russia and
rapidly expanding economy, after the collapse of the with Russian partners” and seek insightful consultations with
Soviet system, Russia now has diversified business our prominent business experts who are ready to help you.
opportunities across its vast territory which keeps on
attracting western, European and Asian countries. We are always at your service!
Statistics have shown that the presence of African
countries has been extremely low primarily due to old
perceptions that linger on from Soviet days.
In the edition of this magazine, the publishers owe it
a responsibility, as the “fourth estate” to bring you some
articles and interviews of people talking about business.
They have also expressed their optimism of business By Dr Andre Ngongang Ouandji,
chances as well as challenges in emerging markets, for Dean of African Group of Ambassadors in Russia.
instance, Russia. Ambassador of the Republic of Cameroon in Russia
The publishers of this magazine, given the financial
base and business initiatives, are prepared to bring
your business closer to your invisible partners, your
prospective partners you are yet to have contacts with
inside Africa and in Russia.
We would like to remind you that Russia is fast re-
emerging into world markets and Putin’s government has
2. 2 My Africa Magazine
Published by International System Consignment Holding
Contents:
My Africa magazine is registered with the Russian Press Ministry
with operating license PI No. 777175 of January 2001.
Politics of Oil Crucial
to Sustainable Development .............4
Chairman & CEO: Cyril T. Tchoudja
(cyril@myafrica.ru) Business Advocate Completes Duty,
Deputy Chairman & CMO: Dr Yusuf Ballah
Heads Home ..................................6
(yusuf@myafrica.ru)
Russia And Malta To Forge
U.S. Representative: Jose Kazadi Kazadi
Broader Economic Cooperation .........9
(jose@myafrica.ru)
From Asia to Africa
Editorial Board With Business .............................11
Kester von Klomegah
Russian education in focus:
Daniel Nabirijniy
Ivanovo State Textile
Patrick Prince Egwakhide
Academy.....................................13
Pastor Mongo
Oksana Pregnantova Effective Power Supply:
Paul Farai Nyakazeya The Law of Steady Development .....14
Website Administrator: Louis 2 Tchamda
Design & Layout: Irina Palagina
Is Skin Colour A Barrier
To Progress?................................16
Partners
AFRICAN GROUP OF AMBASSADORS
AND DIPLOMATS (Russia)
FALPAS VENTURES LTD (Nigeria)
SARL CAMERUS (Cameroon)
FOREIGN STUDENTS ASSOCIATION (Russia)
RUSSIAN IMPERATOR LTD (Russia)
COMPANY AQUAREL LTD (Russia)
Editorial Address:
Russia, 119889, Moscow
Prechistenka Street. bld 10, office 10
Tel/Fax: +7 (495) 201-4988,
+7 (916) 646-4958,
+7 (916) 803-7156
Email: myafrica@myafrica.ru
www.myafrica.ru
TRADE/INVESTMENT/CULTURE
First Russian African Magazine
May – June / 2007
MY AFRICA Ðîññèéñêî-Àôðèêàíñêèé æóðíàë
Policy Watch:
Report from the
Russian Foreign Ministry
3. My Africa Magazine 3
Есть ли у Африки
цивилизационный
потенциал для прорыва? ..............18
Russian Relations with
Sub-Saharan African
Countries ....................................24
Угроза человечеству ....................27
Mandela’s grandson becomes
tribal chief, political heir ..............29
Dan Suleiman:
Pilot of Justice ............................30
Zimbabwe signs fuel
deal with Iran ..............................31
Overcoming Sexual Lust ................34
An Exclusive Interview
with Angolan musician,
Jose Duarte .................................38
4. 4 My Africa Magazine INTERVIEW
some of the regional governments like the Samara region for
investments in oil marginal fields. The board of our corporation
is still looking into that.
Q: Interestingly Nigeria is one of the largest producers of
crude oil and yet it has no refineries. How can you arguably
explain this?
A: It is very pathetic and highly regrettable that
mismanagement, squander mania, and extreme carelessness
have led this great country to this unfortunate state. It is a well
known fact that, we watched our refineries been sabotaged until
they became redundant. I hope that future governments will
take this very seriously. I am also aware that private refineries
are being built and perhaps, that might minimize the current
scarcity of refined products.
Q: Comparatively, how difficult is it transacting business
with Russians?
A: This can be looked at from different perspectives. But
my opinion is that the Russian business forum has its style of
operation just as every other business culture, for instance in
China, or in western countries or even in Africa. However as a
good businessman, you need to properly understand the “modus
operandi” of the environment you’re working in and respect it.
Hon Sami Charles, an influential businessman, speaks The Russians could be very interesting and dynamic in their
to MA correspondent about politics and oil. business dealings hence, our company Anog Petroleum Ltd has
a good relationship with the major oil players here in Russia.
There is no nation that is without corruption, and in fact,
Q: Can you tell our readers about yourself, place of origin Nigeria is not as corrupt as most of the western countries or the
and your family, and employment background? so called super nations.
A: I’m the honorable Sami Charles of Nigeria, a lawyer by
profession, a politician and a business man. I was born in the Q: Are oil companies such as Chevron, Texaco, Shell and
beautiful city of Port Harcourt, Nigeria where I grew up. My many other European Oil Companies are operating in your
father was one of the kings in the kingdoms of the old eastern country making huge profits in spite of the negative media
region of Nigeria. I have served in the different government reports?
departments from the age of 20, including both legislative and A: These are mere propaganda or blackmail from the west
executive arms of government. I have been an active politician which has always been there even before independence. They
for the last seven years when I took over the chairmanship of exploit Africa to a stand still, make huge profits, feed themselves
Anog Petroleum Ltd – a global petroleum trading corporation. fat and build their economies to our expense yet turn around to
malign us. It amuses me when I read of such propaganda against
Q: Can you say why you have your headquarters in Hungary Nigeria knowing how much their government and businessmen
but not in Nigeria? benefit from our oil sector, degrade our environment and totally
A: Hungary provides me with the serene condition and destroy the economic lives of our people. Time will take care of
peaceful atmosphere which I needed to operate. It is one these. I believe that.
of the most beautiful cities in central Europe and I consider I am proud of my country, which is why, I have refused to
it to be the center of the world. Besides, our company is a accept any other country’s citizenship except that of my own
global trading corporation. We are incorporated in the United country, Nigeria.
Kingdom/Wales, Hungary and Nigeria. We are fortunate to
have direct dealings with the major Russian oil players like Q: Russian oil companies are not active in Africa. But what
Rusneft prom, Gazprom, Transneft and many other medium can you say about Russian oil companies negotiating with
players in the petroleum industry. We have been invited by Nigerian companies to acquire oil fields there?
5. INTERVIEW My Africa Magazine 5
A: It’s a great opportunity. And I am
quite aware of this trend and I will strongly
encourage it. It is high time the Nigerian
oil industry becomes more versatile to
the world. I am a Nigerian and I transact
trade with Russians hence, I believe that
the Nigerian oil environment would be
very cordial and accommodating.
Q: Do you think, Russia as an energy
supplier, can cooperate with Nigeria in
gas sector?
A: There exist vast possibilities for
this cooperation and nobody will doubt
this. Nigeria needs to invite the Russian
specialists to assist in the development
of our huge gas reserves. You are aware
that Nigeria has one of the world’s largest
gas reserves and the Russians have the
technology for it. That will be great.
Q: Do you think a political change
over from Obasanjo’s government to
another will affect all these deals?
A: The political transition is pregnant
and only God knows what it will deliver.
We have had great men and women who fought to their last
Q: What efforts are Nigerians taking to diversify the to keep the country together and ensure the sustainability of
economy? democracy up to date. I salute their courage. Ambassador Dan
A: Nigerians have always been very industrious with or Suleiman is a man I hold in high esteem, a patriot and a hero in
without foreign investment. With the huge resources at our the battle for sustainable democracy in Nigeria. His biography
disposal and Africa’s most populous nation, foreign investors – “pilot of justice” tells how far he went to fight the course of
have more to gain from Nigeria than Nigerians themselves. injustice. I pray that Nigeria continues to use him.
Q: Money laundering and corruption are inseparable evils Q: Say a little about African Union?
with your politicians, what do you have to say about this? A: Africa has come of age and it would no longer be an
A: I think you know that 99 percent of Nigerian people issue of Africa been marginalized or not been reckoning with
are great and sincere people. They have always been in globalization. Africa also must open up its doors and move
unfortunate to have had bad leadership. International image is with the velocity of the world. African union has always been a
a subjective issue seen from different perspectives. It depends toothless bulldog just as the OAU was. This is as a result of the
on whose eyes you’re looking at it from. I am a Nigerian and continuous affiliation to past colonial masters and of course
an international business man; I do not believe that there is a abject poverty within the continent. Africans need to be more
business man in the international business forum as sincere united with strong and sincere leadership so that the world can
as myself. There is no nation that is without corruption, and in take them serious.
fact, Nigeria is not as corrupt as most of the western countries
or the so called super nations. I am proud of my country, which By DANIEL NABIRIJNIY, Moscow.
is why, I have refused to accept any other country’s citizenship
except that of my own country, Nigeria. Whenever I introduce
myself at any forum, I do not hesitate to inform my audience
that I am Sami Charles of Nigeria.
Nothing is impossible in a shaky political environment, as
long as the Nigerian people continue to suffer the yoke of bad
leadership and wallowing in poverty in the midst of abundant
wealth. Nothing is impossible Read My Africa Magazine – Your Reliable Partner
Q: Is there anything spectacular about Niger-Delta regions
that it has featured in the western media so frequently?
A: I am from the Niger-delta and I know the amount of injustice
and neglect perpetrated against the people of Niger-delta by the
same foreign oil companies who connives with some Nigerians
to destroy the economics lives of the Niger-delta people. If a
Visit our site:
permanent solution is not installed, the current situation will
definitely escalate. I see it as a time bomb only waiting to explode.
I am sincerely worried about the whole current Nigerian political
www.myafrica.ru
situation. The hard truth is that all is not well with our political
environment. Nigeria is in the hand of God.
6. 6 My Africa Magazine NEWS
Business Advocate
Completes Duty,
Heads Home
Minister in charge of Trade and Investment at the Embassy of
Nigeria, Mr Seyi Onafowokan, has completed his diplomatic tour
and he has returned to the ministry’s headquarters in Nigeria for
a new assignment. While in Moscow, he did all that he could to
drive Russian businesses to Nigeria and facilitated trade by way of
holding investment conferences, trade exhibitions and seminars.
Through these activities, some Russian business people now
institutions, he took advantage of them and presented Nigeria
have adequate knowledge about doing businesses in Nigeria.
to the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Moscow
As a result, he has left a legacy for the incoming minister.
Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Russian Association of
Not only that. He has also left behind challenges posed by swift
Industries and Enterpreneurs. The first ever Russia’s trade and
changing business environment. Mr. Onafowokan was posted
business delegation that visited Nigeria to attend the Nigerian-
to Moscow as Minister in charge of Trade and Investment at a
Russian trade forum held in Abuja. The delegation, comprised
time when the image of his country was stained by the media in
more than 50 Russian businessmen and senior government
Russian business community. There was no respect for Nigerian
officials, has since then been credited for this.
companies.
The Nigerian trade exhibition titled “Made in Nigeria Products”
But, there was an upturn thereafter. In a space of three and
was held twice in Moscow under the chairmanship of Mr.
half years, the Nigerian companies have made significant impact
Onafowokan.
in the Russian business world, thanks to Mr Onafowokan whose
All these achievements would not have been made possible
efforts helped change the business climate positively. And that
without the active support of the Ambassador of Nigeria H.E.
was quick, indeed.
Air Comdr Dan Suleiman (Rtd) and the staff who gave impulse
During the time spent
to uplift Nigerian-Russian trade & investment relations to a new
in Russia as Minister for
phase that has existed between the two countries in the past.
Trade and Investment,
During this period, The Russian Aluminium (RusAl) bought into
he was able to visit and
the aluminium plant in Nigeria, Energoprom is currently actively
open fresh negotiations
carrying out reconstruction of an electricity generating dam built
with most of the influential
in Soviet days, another Russian firm is constructing gas turbine
Russian companies, even
electricity generation plant in Bayelsa State, Russian buses are
when the doors are not
supplied to Nigeria, LukOIL is negotiating to buy an oil field, one
opening, he never gave
other Russian telecom company is negotiating a deal to purchase
up. He preached the new
GSM license, a construction company has also made its presence
prospects that the second
in Nigerian housing sphere to provide affordable houses for the
democratically elected
country, as well as many other projects.
administration of Nigeria has set in place through the Nigerian
He has worked restlessly to see to the inauguration of the
Investment Promotion Council (NIPC) to attract foreign direct
Nigerian Russian Business Council (NRBC) in Moscow. The
investment into the country. His official trips, which covered
President of the Nigerian Chapter of the council led by Mr. Goody
about 75 percent of the Russia’s regions and other ex-Soviet
Ibru visited Moscow to sign an agreement for the take off of the
republics, primarily aimed at providing adequate vital information
council. The former Prime Minister and now the Chairman of
to prospective business people about investment incentives and
the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Russian
opportunities available in Nigeria.
Federation, Mr. Evgeny Primakov, attended the signing ceremony
“It’s worth saying that the country is relatively good, it’s a great
of the document on the Russian side with Mr. Abramiyan Ara who
experience and has offered me an exposure to its vast resources.
is the President of the Russian Chapter.
The organized private sector in Russia is fantastic and very
He said that the two countries undoubtedly shared much in
cooperative,” Mr Onafowokan said in a pre-departure interview.
common, pointing to the size of their territories, huge population
“In my view, through the trade desk and the information section,
and added that both are oil producing countries. Nigerian and
at least a cross section of
Russian economic sectors are budding. “I can say with confidence
Nigerian business people
that Nigeria and Russia are strategic partners and can forge a
became more aware of
formidable tie in the coming years. For this, I am very optimistic,”
emerging opportunities
Mr. Onafowokan said in conclusion.
in Russia just as Russian
business people are By Our Diplomatic Correspondent, Moscow
also increasingly getting
information about Nigeria.”
Realising that there
are organised trade
7. My Africa Magazine 7
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8. 8 My Africa Magazine DIPLOMACY
In this interview, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Malta, Dr Mario Costa, narrates about his
employment experiences, his views about Russia, and most importantly about his country’s foreign policy priorities with
the Russian Federation. He also speaks about the history and the long traditional ties which bind the two countries together.
Kester von Klomegah, recently had an extensive chat with him soon after his arrival to his new post in Moscow.
Q: Your Excellency, please tell us about your previous
employment experience before being appointed Ambassador
to Moscow.
Dr Costa: I have had quite a varied career. Soon after
graduating from the University of Malta in humanistic subjects,
I began my working career at the age of 22. My first experience
was a period of one year voluntary military service in the
Maltese Army in the rank of lieutenant. I then spent about three
years as a junior officer in the Malta Development Corporation
which was, at the time, the Government Agency entrusted with
the task of promoting investment in Malta. After this, I studied
pedagogy for a year but never took up a teaching career as I
found I was not really cut out for it.
In 1977, I passed an examination for graduates and was
admitted to the Malta Civil Service where I have remained ever
since. I served for the first ten years in the Ministry of Trade
in various positions including procurement, licensing and as
Head of the Intellectual Property Office. I was then transferred
to the Ministry of Justice which sponsored me to read law, a
six year course leading to Doctor of Laws. I studied during the
academic year and worked during the holidays at the Ministry.
Upon graduating as a lawyer, I was transferred to the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs and became Head of the Eastern Europe
Division. This was a very interesting period when the Soviet
Union had broken up and many new states came into being.
Of course, relations with the newly created Russian Federation
became one of the major interests of my Division and that is
when I started taking more interest in Russia.
In 1998, after serving for six years in the Foreign Ministry,
I was appointed Ambassador of Malta resident in Tunis. Malta
is very active in all Mediterranean fora, such as the Barcelona
process, and attaches great importance to its Mediterranean
policy. Our relations with our neighbouring countries are
therefore one of the focal points of our foreign policy. My four Q: How relevant are these to your diplomatic work here in
year experience in Tunisia was invaluable and gave me great Moscow?
professional satisfaction. Dr Costa: As I stated in my previous reply, the relevance
At the end of my assignment in Tunis, I was appointed Director of a knowledge of commercial and economic matters, training
General of Bilateral Relations, a position I held for over two years in international law and experience in the Foreign Ministry are
until my appointment as Ambassador accredited to Moscow. all especially relevant. My previous service as ambassador in
another capital, even if in different context, is, of course, of
Q: Which aspects of these experiences do you consider paramount importance as I came here already equipped with a
comparatively important and why? certain baggage of experience which I try to put to good use.
Dr Costa: I think the ten years I worked in the Ministry of
Trade gave me a useful knowledge of how trade functions in Q: Before your arrival to this present post as an ambassador
Malta and in the world and gave me an insight into the mind of of your country, what really strikes you about Russia?
businessmen. This is important for a diplomat who, among his Dr Costa: My first university degree included the study of
many tasks, has that of promoting commercial and economic history and this subject still fascinates me today. As such, I could
matters of his country. My legal studies, especially those not fail to appreciate the rich and varied history of this country
connected with international and European Union law, trained which, in spite of the adversities it has had to face during the
me for the juridical aspects of foreign relations. Naturally, the passage of time, has remained a great country with a rich culture.
last decade and a half as a diplomat, prepared for my present During my youth I read a not inconsiderable amount of Russian
assignment. literature translated in English and, of course listened to the
9. DIPLOMACY My Africa Magazine 9
music of the great Russian composers. I was also struck by the Malta. It is therefore a source of satisfaction to Malta that there
scientific capability of Russian scientists and still remember, as have been significant results in the last EU-Russia summit held
a very young boy, the first ever launching of an artificial satellite, last May as well as the ensuing discussions.
“Sputnik”. I used to follow the progress of space exploration -
- Gagarin, the first cosmonaut, and Valentina Tereshkova, the Q: And what are your impressions about Russia since your
first woman in space. At the time, Russia appeared to me as a arrival?
country of advanced technology but also as a remote, somewhat Dr Costa: My arrival last March was not the first time I saw
mysterious place, where it was unlikely that I would ever go. The Moscow. I came for the first time in December 1993 as OSCE
beauty of life is its unpredictability! observer in the elections held that year. Four years later, in the
Later on, in my maturity, I observed with interest the summer of 1997, I spent some weeks in Moscow as Charge’
transformation of the Soviet Union into a different kind of state d’Affaires ad interim and this enabled me to see Moscow and its
and the enormous challenges which the architects of Russian cultural treasures reasonably well. When I arrived on my present
policy faced and are still facing in the economic, political and assignment, I could therefore make comparisons. I was quite
social fields. The progress achieved by Russia during recent astonished with the material progress achieved. Traffic increased
times strikes me as quite remarkable. vertiginously, shopping malls, restaurants and hypermarkets
multiplied and increased prosperity is obvious. Construction sites
Q: What are some of your priorities now? are numerous and business seems to be booming. I also noticed
Dr Costa: Evidently, the prime task of any ambassador that many Russians seem more open to discuss their country and
is that of fostering the best possible relations between his host its affairs, both the positive and the negative aspects.
country and the country he represents. As regards commercial Since my arrival, I have also visited some regions outside
and economic exchanges, there is much room for improvement Moscow and the process of change was noticeable there too.
and ways have to be found to build confidence in Maltese and
Russian economic operators with a view to exploring better the Q: Do you think the changes in Russia have presented
opportunities which may exist in the two countries. For Malta, good prospects for your country’s businesses?
Russia is of considerable significance in the field of tourism. Dr Costa: Changes resulting in increased prosperity, a
Russian tourists have been going to Malta on holiday or to study more liberalized economy and political stability are conducive to
English in the language schools for some years now. I believe the business. Bureaucratic procedures may intimidate business.
results achieved so far are encouraging and are a good basis for I cannot say that there are many Maltese businesses operating in
further growth in this important economic activity. It is one of my Russia at the present time. What business there is, is related mostly
main tasks to contribute to the consolidation of this business. to tourism. There is a Maltese-owned and managed top-class hotel
Russians find Malta attractive because of its sunny and warm in St. Petersburg which, I am informed, has expansion plans. There
climate, its beaches, its rich history, its numerous archeological are also Maltese tour operators who have offices in Moscow and
sites and, not least, the traditional hospitality of the Maltese people. these are doing well and operating without too many problems. This
Malta is also one of the safest places on earth and Russians feel is, therefore, encouraging and proves that the changes that occurred
very welcome there. Many Russians, coming from the largest in Russia make it possible, although not without some difficulty, for
country on earth with vast spaces, are also fascinated by the idea businesses to thrive profitably. Air Malta operates profitable flights
of going to a very small island which, in spite of its size, has given linking our two countries which, in summer, number five per week.
its contribution to human civilization in many spheres. This airline also has a working relationship with Aeroflot. Of course,
there is always room for improvement.
Q: What do Russia and Malta share in common? And
significance is Malta as a member of the European Union? Q: And so how do you intend to link businesses up and
Dr Costa: Definitely, not their size or their climate! One what peculiar problems do you envisage in this process?
of the characteristics one could mention is the fact that they Dr Costa: The Maltese business promotion agency, Malta
both have a very eventful history which has left its mark on Enterprise, in cooperation with my embassy, is actively exploring
their Peoples. I believe that strong determination in the face niche markets in Russia and is looking for Russian partners
of serious adversity is the characteristic which links the for Maltese businesses. Some areas of business have already
Maltese and the Russian spirits. Russia saw great turmoil and been identified and potential partners have been introduced to
human suffering during its long history but has managed to each other. The beginning is, admittedly, somewhat slow. One
survive all the vicissitudes of time and embarked on the road must keep in mind that, in the Soviet period, commercial and
to democracy. Malta has been ruled by almost all the powers other economic relations between the two sides were almost
that held sway in the Mediterranean throughout the ages and completely steered by the governments of the two countries.
finally took its destiny into its own hands and is today a free Maltese businessmen now have to learn to operate in a
nation, member of the European Union. Malta and Russia both completely new environment where Russia is concerned but I
have a long spiritual tradition. Just as in Malta I see churches am confident that this will be achieved gradually.
everywhere, I do the same in Russia and these emblems of There are areas where cooperation should be relatively
spirituality could not have failed to leave important common easy. One example is the Malta Freeport which is a state-of-
traces in the Maltese and Russian Peoples. the-art trans-shipment facility in Malta. Russian businesses
The history of Maltese-Russian bilateral relations goes back operating in North Africa or other Mediterranean countries
a long time. The first Russian Ambassador to Malta, Boyar Boris could land their exports in this Freeport and from there have
Petrovich Sheremetev, arrived in Malta armed with messages them transshipped to various destinations. Russian companies
from Peter I to the Grandmaster of Malta, the Aragonese Ramon which intend to establish themselves in business with North
Perellos y Roccaful, in May 1698. More recently, relations Africa can also use Malta as an operational base. Malta has an
between the two countries were consistently characterized excellent financial services centre, a flexible and multi-lingual
by mutual respect and understanding. Today, relations are labor force, a modern communications infrastructure and long
on two levels, one might say. There are relations on a purely experience in North African markets.
bilateral level and there are relations between Russia on one Similarly, the Malta International Airport can be used as an
side and Malta as member of the European Union on the other. ideal hub linking destinations in the Mediterranean and beyond.
All agreements or arrangements of any kind which Russia
concludes with the European Union are therefore binding with This interview was conducted by Kester von Klomegah,
Bureau Chief, The Voice magazine
10. 10 My Africa Magazine PROFILE
From Asia to Africa With Business
M
arking the third visit to Cameroon and and the first
to Nigeria in five months, Andrey Ovchinnikov,
the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman
of The Russian Imperator, an internationally registered
trade and business company which seeks to develop
business ties with African countries, says in an interview
that African leaders and business people should look
also towards Russia and ex-Soviet republics for new
business partnership instead of focusing on western
and European countries.
“It’s about time to put Russia on Africa’s business agenda,”
he said.
He said time has historically changed and political
ideologies should not constitute a barrier to business
cooperation between Russia and Africa. Even before Soviet
collapse, Ovchinnikov was one of the few Russians who
ventured into business, mostly importing computers and
IT products from Singapore, Malaysia and other southeast
Asian countries. With more than 20 years of business
experience behind him, Ovchinnikov is now turning the
searchlights on Africa where he found a business niche.
He said he utterly ignored negative and discrediting media
reports that portrayed Africa less attractive and took the risk
to explore Africa’s market. “All that I realised from my trip
was Africa has an important agricultural products which are
needed in Russia’s market,” Ovchinnikov assertively said. While in Cameroon, he held talks with senior government
He declared his “absolute support” for President Putin’s officials and finally sealed an agreement to import cocoa beans
official visit to Africa in September last year, - which aimed at to Russia, but declined to mention the exact quantity.
building a bridge and bring Russia closer to Africa with emphasis Delivery is expected in the next few months.
on trade and business. Although the visit was restricted to few The Cameroon agreement with The Russian Imperator,
if implemented positively, could provide lessons for other
African countries to open up for Russian private businesses to
explore in exchange for Russia’s technological innovations and
manufactured products.
The Russian Imperator has already opened a subsidiary
with “SARL “Camerus” that will oversee and facilitate imports
and exports of goods between the two countries.
“This economic and business projects will mutually benefit
both countries in the long term,” Ovchinnikov stressed.
According to him, cocoa that originates in Cameroon,
L-R 2nd left Pastor G Ballah MD Tracross, Cyril T Chairman MA, Dcness G Chamah MD/CEO
FALPAS VENTURES, Andre O. MD/CEO Russian Imperator, Capt. B. Noelle MD/CEO
AFRIJET AIRLINES
countries including South Africa, Ovchinnikov said Putin’s visit
signaled a new quality of Russian-African relations not only at
the state level, but also it was necessarily meant to encourage
business ties in a wide range of areas among private business
people in any part of the continent with Russian investors.
“It serves as an impetus...and I am somewhat comfortable
to hear some Africans expressing the desire and interest to do
business with us during my last visit to Cameroon and Nigeria. This L-R: Pastor Ben, Mr. Sheriff, Mr. Andre O, Dr. Felix Olumogba MD/CEO GTE, Dcness G.
a real positive sign and we have to develop it,” Ovchinnikov said. Chamah, Mr. Cyril T., Pastor G. Ballah
11. PROFILE My Africa Magazine 11
Nigeria and Ivory Coast today accounts for significant exports and has future plans to visit Ivory Coast and Ghana. He declined
to western countries and to Europe, but Russia can be a good to discuss details about the kind of business he would be aiming
destination as demand for it is high. Unfortunately, he observes, at, but only added that he would be able to provide comments
most farmers receive only a fraction of the price that their cocoa only when he gets information from company representatives.
but it really fetches a lot more in the developed markets. We are ready for intensive interaction in all areas of interest
“Russians can have control over the purchasing of cocoa in any country, he said in remarks.
and also help promote African products in Russia’s market. Returning to his impressions about his unique business
This has not been happening on a large scale primarily due trip to Cameroon and Nigeria, Ovchinnikov said:”I am glad to
to inadequate knowledge of both markets, - unfortunately have the opportunity to meet with people who are active and
Russians are unaware of what they can get over there and want to work towards Russia. I expect that our meeting will
Africans don’t know about new business opportunities that further encourage their interest in Russia’s economy. We both
have emerged after Soviet collapse” he said. can make an essential contribution to the development of the
He was full of praises for the level of business talks in Nigeria economy, to your country’s economy and to that of the Russian
Federation through private sector cooperation.”
Ovchinnikov said “We would definitely like to see African
countries as possible investors in Russia. And I would especially
like to greet industrialists and businessmen who are willing and
ready to work in Russian market.
Asked about priorities and main directions of his company,
he said he considers it important to go farther than simple
trade, by encourage investment and is thinking of assisting in
improving basic infrastructure, transport system, agriculture
and communications particularly for the rural communities.
The Russian Imperator has as its goal to develop mutual
investments and business between Russia and Africa. Certainly,
The Russian Imperator is at your disposal and will engage in
interesting business partnership that is transparent and supported
by legal guarantees and as open as possible for mutual benefits.
By Our Special Business Correspondent, Moscow
Mr. Fotso Felix welcoming Mr. Andre to the Ministry of Trade Cameroon
Mr. Andre O in handshake with MD/CEO of AFRIJET AIRLINES
Mr. Andre, Dcness Chaman, Pastor Ballah taking a tour of Afrijet Airlines hanger in Lagos
Mr. Andre with the Mayor of Douala-4 Mr. Gabriel Fandja inspecting Palm Plantation
Mr. Andre visiting a Cocoa factory in Cameroon
12. 12 My Africa Magazine
Ì
e are happy to present to you (our readers) one of the
W higher institutes of education: Ivanovo State Textile
Academy (ISTA), which is one of the oldest textile
institutes of education in Russia.
û ðàäû ïîçíàêîìèòü Âàñ ñ ãîñóäàðñòâåííûì îáðà-
çîâàòåëüíûì ó÷ðåæäåíèåì âûñøåãî ïðîôåññèî-
íàëüíîãî îáðàçîâàíèÿ «Èâàíîâñêîé ãîñóäàðñòâåí-
íîé òåêñòèëüíîé àêàäåìèåé» (ÈÃÒÀ) – îäíèì èç ñòàðåéøèõ
ISTA – is a center with many areas of specialization, it acts òåêñòèëüíûõ âûñøèõ ó÷åáíûõ çàâåäåíèé Ðîññèè.
as center for the study of textile sciences, other sciences and ÈÃÒÀ – ýòî ìíîãîôóíêöèîíàëüíûé êîìïëåêñ, âûïîë-
design culture in Invano region. íÿþùèé ðîëü öåíòðà òåêñòèëüíîé íàóêè, îáðàçîâàíèÿ è
Ivanovo is located in the center of Russia, 300km northeast êóëüòóðû â Èâàíîâñêîì ðåãèîíå.
from Moscow. The population is about 460,000. The major Ãîðîä Èâàíîâî ðàñïîëîæåí â öåíòðå Ðîññèè, â 300 êì íà
industries here are textile, machine construction, light industry, ñåâåðî-âîñòîêå îò Ìîñêâû. Íàñåëåíèå ãîðîäà – îêîëî 460
food processing industries, chemical, construction and energy. It òûñÿ÷ æèòåëåé. Â ãîðîäå îñíîâíîå ìåñòî çàíèìàþò ïðåäïðè-
has 11 museums, 3 theaters, circus and many other objects of ÿòèÿ òåêñòèëüíîé è ë¸ãêîé ïðîìûøëåííîñòè, ìàøèíîñòðîå-
socio-cultural infrastructures and attraction. In the region is located íèÿ, ïèùåâîé, õèìè÷åñêîé ïðîìûøëåííîñòè, ñòðîèòåëüíîé
two world renowned center for art designs and paintings: Paliha & èíäóñòðèè è ýíåðãåòèêè... Èìååòñÿ 11 ìóçååâ, òðè òåàòðà,
Holoin. On the well known Russian river Volga which extends to öèðê è äðóãèå îáúåêòû ñîöèàëüíî-êóëüòóðíîé ñôåðû. Â ðå-
Ivanovo and flows through the territory of Pluos – which is known ãèîíå èìååòñÿ äâà âñåìèðíî èçâåñòíûõ öåíòðà ëàêîâîé ìè-
for its historic monuments and architectural museums. íèàòþðû: Ïàëåõ è Õîëóé. Íà ñàìîé èçâåñòíîé ðîññèéñêîé
The International school located in Ivanovo established ðåêå Âîëãå, ïðîòåêàþùåé ïî òåððèòîðèè Èâàíîâñêîé îáëàñ-
1933 was prestigious among the children of senior government òè, ðàñïîëîæåí ãîðîä Ïë¸ñ – èçâåñòíûé ñâîèìè èñòîðè÷åñ-
officials and party leaders all over êèìè ïàìÿòíèêàìè è õóäîæåñò-
the world who came to study in the âåííûìè ìóçåÿìè...
town including Almicar Kabral, Fani  Èâàíîâå ñ 1933 ãîäà ðàáî-
and Mariam Toure from Guinea òàåò èíòåðíàöèîíàëüíàÿ øêîëà,
Bissau. Children from Angola also â êîòîðîé â ðàçíûå ãîäû ÕÕ
studied in this school including âåêà îáó÷àëèñü äåòè èçâåñ-
Teodor Kuarto, Shekunda, from òíûõ ãîñóäàðñòâåííûõ è ïàð-
Mozambique, Jose Hilumba from òèéíûõ äåÿòåëåé âñåãî ìèðà, â
South Africa and representatives òîì ÷èñëå Àìèëêàðà Êàáðàëà
from many other African countries èç Ãâèíåè-Áèñàó.  øêîëå ó÷è-
ISTA has many scientists ëèñü äåòè èç Àíãîëû (â èõ ÷èñëå
and specialists working in the Òåîäîð Êóàðòî, Øèêóíäà), Ãâè-
academy in areas of textiles íåè-Áèñàó (â èõ ÷èñëå Ôàíè è
technology, construction and Ìàðüÿì Òóðå), Ìîçàìáèêà, ÞÀÐ
technology of sewing, certification (Æîçå Íåëóìáà...) è äðóãèõ ñòðàí
of textile products, quality control, Àôðèêàíñêîãî êîíòèíåíòà.
standardization and certification  Èâàíîâñêîé ãîñóäàðñ-
of textile products & industry, òâåííîé òåêñòèëüíîé àêàäåìèè
engineering & repairs of textile ðàáîòàþò âåäóùèå ó÷åíûå è ñïåöèàëèñòû â îáëàñòè òåêñ-
machineries & exploitation, atomization of technological òèëüíîé òåõíîëîãèè, êîíñòðóèðîâàíèÿ è òåõíîëîãèè øâåé-
process & production, economics & management of company, íûõ èçäåëèé, ìàòåðèàëîâåäåíèÿ, óïðàâëåíèÿ êà÷åñòâîì,
marketing, textile design, socio-cultural services and tourism. ñòàíäàðòèçàöèè è ñåðòèôèêàöèè èçäåëèé òåêñòèëüíîé ïðî-
The spectrum of services which the academy offers in Russia ìûøëåííîñòè, ïðîåêòèðîâàíèÿ, èçãîòîâëåíèÿ, ýêñïëóàòà-
and for the international market is very broad: This includes the öèè è ðåìîíòà òåêñòèëüíîãî îáîðóäîâàíèÿ, àâòîìàòèçàöèè
systematic training of degree programs of Bachelor, Diploma òåõíîëîãè÷åñêèõ ïðîöåññîâ è ïðîèçâîäñòâ, ýêîíîìèêè è
specialist, Masters, Doctorate, training courses. Russian óïðàâëåíèÿ íà ïðåäïðèÿòèÿõ, ìàðêåòèíãà, õóäîæåñòâåííîãî
course is offered as a foreign language. ïðîåêòèðîâàíèÿ òåêñòèëüíûõ èçäåëèé, ñîöèàëüíî-êóëüòóð-
For more detailed information on the programs for íîãî ñåðâèñà è òóðèçìà...
Bachelors, Masters and higher degrees which ISTA offers Ñïåêòð îáðàçîâàòåëüíûõ óñëóã, ïðåäîñòàâëÿåìûé
you can check at the following website address: http//www. àêàäåìèåé íà Ðîññèéñêèé è ìåæäóíàðîäíûé ðûíêè
igta.ru/html/facultety/abitur/info2005.pdf We also have our î÷åíü øèðîê: ýòî ìíîãîñòóïåí÷àòàÿ ñèñòåìà îáó÷å-
Representative in Nigeria: Yujnagama Holding and is working íèÿ ïî ïðîãðàììàì áàêàëàâðèàòà, äèïëîìèðîâàííîãî
actively with My Africa magazine in Moscow, Russia. ñïåöèàëèñòà, ìàãèñòðàòóðû; îáó÷åíèå â àñïèðàíòóðå è
The major parameter for measuring the success of an äîêòîðàíòóðå; ñòàæèðîâêè è ïîâûøåíèå êâàëèôèêàöèè
institute of higher learning is its students. ñïåöèàëèñòîâ; êóðñû ðóññêîãî ÿçûêà êàê èíîñòðàííîãî;
The graduates of the academy are renowned scientists, «âêëþ÷åííîå»îáó÷åíèå; äîïîëíèòåëüíîå îáðàçîâàíèå.
specialists, lecturers, public figures who occupy various prestigious Áîëåå ïîäðîáíóþ èíôîðìàöèþ î íàïðàâëåíèÿõ ïîä-
positions in government organizations of the Russian Federation and ãîòîâêè áàêàëàâðîâ è ìàãèñòðîâ è ñïåöèàëüíîñòÿõ, ïî
top managers of companies both within the country and overseas. êîòîðûì âåäåòñÿ îáó÷åíèå â íàøåé àêàäåìèè, ìîæíî
13. My Africa Magazine 13
In order for students to get high qualification as specialist in ïîëó÷èòü íà ñàéòå ÈÃÒÀ ïî àäðåñó: http://www.igta.ru/html/
the academy, the academy has scientific research laboratory, facultety/abitur/info2005.pdf
opportunities for practical training in major factories and plants, Ãëàâíîå äîñòîÿíèå ó÷åáíîãî çàâåäåíèÿ – ýòî åãî ó÷åíèêè.
departments in the Russian Institutes of Research. Âûïóñêíèêè àêàäåìèè – èçâåñòíûå ó÷åíûå, ñïåöèà-
ISTA has a rich culture in training of specialists for foreign ëèñòû, ïðåïîäàâàòåëè, îáùåñòâåííûå äåÿòåëè, çàíèìà-
countries which it has engaged in since 1948. During this þùèå ðóêîâîäÿùèå ïîñòû â Ðîññèè è çà åå ïðåäåëàìè.
period, the representatives of over 47 countries from Europe, Äëÿ òîãî, ÷òîáû ñòóäåíòû ñòàëè âûñîêîêâàëèôèöè-
Asia, Africa and Latin America studied in the academy. Over ðîâàííûìè ñïåöèàëèñòàìè â àêàäåìèè ôóíêöèîíèðóþò
350 obtained postgraduate degrees, 29 obtained Doctorate íàó÷íî-èññëåäîâàòåëüñêèå ëàáîðàòîðèè, ñòóäåí÷åñêèå
under the supervision of scientists of the academy. òâîð÷åñêèå îáúåäèíåíèÿ, ôèëèàëû êàôåäð íà ïðåäïðè-
The graduates of the academy from African countries including ÿòèÿõ è â íàó÷íî-èññëåäîâàòåëüñêèõ èíñòèòóòàõ.
Angola, Benin, Burundi, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Zimbabwe, Èâàíîâñêàÿ ãîñóäàðñòâåííàÿ òåêñòèëüíàÿ àêàäåìèÿ èìå-
Congo, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, åò áîãàòûå òðàäèöèè ïîäãîòîâêè ñïåöèàëèñòîâ äëÿ çàðóáåæ-
Tanzania, Ethiopia – three of their students continued to defend íûõ ñòðàí, êîòîðóþ îñóùåñòâëÿåò ñ 1948 ãîäà. Çà ýòî âðåìÿ
their Doctorate; Lezo Hiyog from Madagascar, Znaidi Abdulrahim ïðåäñòàâèòåëè 47 ñòðàí Åâðîïû, Àçèè, Àôðèêè è Ëàòèíñêîé
from Morocco, Abibi Alimu Tesfahuning from Ethiopia. Àìåðèêè îáó÷àëèñü â íàøåé àêàäåìèè. Äèïëîìû î âûñøåì
In 1984 the academy received accreditation to open a îáðàçîâàíèè ïîëó÷èëè áîëåå 350 èíîñòðàííûõ ãðàæäàí, 29
Department for Russian language where Russian language is èç íèõ ñòàëè êàíäèäàòàìè íàóê, çàùèòèâ äèññåðòàöèè, âû-
taught as a foreign language under qualified teachers who have ïîëíåííûå ïîä ðóêîâîäñòâîì âåäóùèõ ó÷åíûõ ÈÃÒÀ.
experience in teaching overseas. Foreigners do not only study  ÷èñëå íàøèõ âûïóñêíèêîâ è 31 ïðåäñòàâèòåëü 14
foreign language in the department but they are also introduced ñòðàí Àôðèêàíñêîãî êîíòèíåíòà: Àíãîëû, Áåíèíà, Áóðóí-
to Russian culture and its people. After the language class, the äè, Ãàíû, Ãâèíåè-Áèñàó, Çèìáàáâå, Êîíãî, Ìàäàãàñêàðà,
students are offered and taught business rhetoric’s, technical Ìàëè, Ìàðîêêî, Ìîçàìáèêà, Íèãåðà, Òàíçàíèè, Ýôèîïèè.
disciples, fundamentals of world economics and management. Òðîå èç íèõ: Ëåçî Õüþã (Ìàäàãàñêàð), Çíàèäè Àáäåððà-
After the collapse of Soviet Union, the academy once again õèì (Ìàðîêêî), Àáåáå Àëåìó Òåñôàõóíåíã (Ýôèîïèÿ) ïî-
has representatives from African countries studying in the ëó÷èëè â ÈÃÒÀ è ñòåïåíü êàíäèäàòà òåõíè÷åñêèõ íàóê.
academy. We presently boast of having 15 African students in  1984 ãîäó â àêàäåìèè ñîçäàíà êàôåäðà ðóññêîãî ÿçûêà
our academy from Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of êàê èíîñòðàííîãî. Ïîä ðóêîâîäñòâîì âûñîêîêâàëèôèöè-
Congo and Nigeria who are presently studying Russian as a ðîâàííûõ ïðåïîäàâàòåëåé êàôåäðû, èìåþùèõ îïûò ðàáî-
foreign language and will be continuing to their various faculties òû çà ðóáåæîì, èíîñòðàííûå ãðàæäàíå íå òîëüêî èçó÷àþò
at the beginning of next academic year (2007). ðóññêèé ÿçûê, íî è çíàêîìÿòñÿ ñ ðóññêîé êóëüòóðîé. Êðî-
The representatives of Africa in our academy are ìå îáùåÿçûêîâîé ïîäãîòîâêè, ïðåäëàãàþòñÿ ñïåöèàëüíûå
distinguished by their desire to learn and to interact in social ïðîãðàììû ïî îáó÷åíèþ äåëîâîìó îáùåíèþ, èçó÷åíèþ
life. They are very good in sports, participate in various events òåõíè÷åñêèõ äèñöèïëèí, îñíîâ ýêîíîìè÷åñêèõ çíàíèé.
in the city and on the campus: During festivals and day of Ïîñëå íåáîëüøîãî ïåðåðûâà íà ó÷åáó â íàøó àêà-
national cultures, meeting with other students, they show with äåìèþ âíîâü ïðèåõàëè ïðåäñòàâèòåëè Àôðèêàíñêîãî
pride their traditions and culture through drama and show êîíòèíåíòà. Â íàñòîÿùåå âðåìÿ 15 ãðàæäàí èç Àôðèêè
movies and films on their various countries. (Ðåñïóáëèêè Êîíãî, Äåìîêðàòè÷åñêîé Ðåñïóáëèêè Êîí-
Lecturers of the academy empower the students with ãî, Íèãåðèè) èçó÷àþò â ÈÃÒÀ ðóññêèé ÿçûê è ãîòîâÿòñÿ ñ
knowledge and experience, it is always exciting receiving íîâîãî ó÷åáíîãî ãîäà ñòàòü ñòóäåíòàìè.
letters from former students. This type of letters come to us Ñòóäåíòîâ èç Àôðèêè îòëè÷àþò ñòðåìëåíèå ê çíàíèÿì,
often and from many countries including Africa. àêòèâíàÿ æèçíåííàÿ ïîçèöèÿ. Êðîìå ó÷åáû îíè çàíèìà-
For more information about our educational institution, þòñÿ ñïîðòîì, ó÷àñòâóþò â îáùåñòâåííîé æèçíè ãîðîäà
Ivanovo State Textile Academy, and conditions for admission è àêàäåìèè: â ôåñòèâàëÿõ è äíÿõ íàöèîíàëüíûõ êóëüòóð,
and study programs for foreign students, for Nigeria students âî âñòðå÷àõ ñî ñòóäåíòàìè è øêîëüíèêàìè ãîðîäà, ãäå ñ
you can contact our Representative: Yujnagama Holding, # ãîðäîñòüþ ïðåäñòàâëÿþò ñâîè íàöèîíàëüíûå òðàäèöèè è
20C Piont Road Apapa, Lagos, tel (01) 760-11-59 or visit our çíàêîìÿòñÿ ñ êóëüòóðîé äðóãèõ ñòðàí.
web site: http//www.igta.ru/files/training.pdf Ïðåïîäàâàòåëÿì àêàäåìèè, îòäàþùèì ñòóäåíòàì ñâîè çíà-
Ivanovo State Textile Academy invites citizens of Africa to íèÿ, îïûò (à çíà÷èò è ÷àñòèöó ñâîåé æèçíè è äóøè), âñåãäà ïðè-
study in its academy. ÿòíî ïîëó÷àòü ïèñüìà îò áûâøèõ ó÷åíèêîâ. Òàêèå ïèñüìà ïðè-
õîäÿò ê íàì èç ìíîãèõ ñòðàí, â òîì ÷èñëå è èç ñòðàí Àôðèêè.
Prof. A.N. Smirnov, Dean of Foreign Students & Áîëåå ïîäðîáíî ïîçíàêîìèòüñÿ ñ Èâàíîâñêîé ãîñó-
International Relations.
äàðñòâåííîé òåêñòèëüíîé àêàäåìèåé è óñëîâèÿìè îáó÷å-
I.E. Kutozuva, Head of International Relations.
íèÿ â íåé èíîñòðàííûõ ãðàæäàí ìîæíî íà ñàéòå àêàäåìèè:
http://www.igta.ru/files/training.pdf
Èâàíîâñêàÿ ãîñóäàðñòâåííàÿ òåêñòèëüíàÿ àêàäåìèÿ
ïðèãëàøàåò ãðàæäàí èç ñòðàí Àôðèêè íà îáó÷åíèå.
À. Í. Ñìèðíîâ, ïðîôåññîð, ïðîðåêòîð
ïî èíôîðìàòèçàöèè è ìåæäóíàðîäíûì ñâÿçÿì ÈÃÒÀ
È. Å. Êóòóçîâà, íà÷àëüíèê îòäåëà
ìåæäóíàðîäíûõ ñâÿçåé ÈÃÒÀ
14. 14 My Africa Magazine FEATURE
Effective power supply:
The law of steady development
development for a concrete territorial equipment and the most
safe in ecological plan of power technologies, and providing
finally maximized reduction in volumes of transport of energy
from one region to the other. Energetically “self-sufficiency” of
regions can be achieved, especially in Africa through skilful and
an effective utilization of wind mill power and solar energy. In
MIE this technology which allows for a simultaneous installation
and usage of the energy potential of the sun and wind have been
invented, accumulating thus energy in the form of compressed
air bag, which is known universal as the energy carrier.
It is not a secret, that at generation, transportation and
consumption of energy its essential share is irrevocably lost. In
this connection a lot of our research development is connected
with energy storage, which finally not only reduces economic
T
he problem of constant increase in the need for electric losses due to emission of hazardous waste caused by fuel
and thermal energy is characteristic practically for compussion, but also favorably affects ecological conditions.
any dynamically developing country. Simultaneously A typical example is the development that allows recycling
with escalating power capacities this problem is resolved by of pressured energy carriers in the main pipelines to save 30 %,
development of the scientific and technical direction, connected and due to reduction in hydraulic resistance still addition 20 % of
with increase of efficiency and energy storage at all stages of electric energy spent for their transportation can be saved.
technological cycle: generation, transportation, distribution and In the significant over expenditure of fuel (in some cases
consumption of energy. Every year, people are more actively up to 40 %) and to essentially decrease efficiency of thermal
using non conventional energy sources and new ways of its devices as a result formed during the process of thermo-barrier
reception are been developed. Accompanying environmental adjournment. The developed technology allows effective,
problems, also the huge speed with which hydrocarbons without destroying metal surface to delete the collection and to
is decreasing, has coursed a kin interest of researchers, in prevent formation of new such adjournment.
particular, scientists of the Moscow Institute of Energy (Technical With reference to the power equipment in the practical plan
University) have activated their attention in this direction. the problem of corrosion destruction of their surface is solved
Moscow Institute of Energy (MIE), celebrated its 75th accompanying evolution of mankind since times of the beginning
anniversary this year, the Institute is today one of the largest of the use of metal. At any degree of humidity in a wide range of
research centers of science, well-known not only in Russia, but temperatures course of corrosion process can be completely blocked
also far behind the boundaries of Russia. During this period by means of formation on surfaces of constructional materials of
the Institute has prepared more than 180 thousand specialist molecular layers of surface-active substances (PEAHENS). The
and experts of high cadre. The quality of preparation of modern layers of the PEAHENS consisting of ordered and densely packed
experts is determined not only by the level of pedagogical molecules eliminate actual conditions that course corrosion process.
skill, but also the greatest achievement by the teachers The formed film is a barrier to access of molecules of oxygen and
possessing high scientific qualification. The activity of MIE in carbonic acid to a metal surface. Simultaneously, these molecules
many respects is based on this principle. Finally, this allows it of PEAHENS provide hydro surfaces, which is on them liquid
not only to facilitate preparation of highly skilled experts, but cannot form a film, which forms a necessary condition for formation
also to create authoritative scientific schools, to grow up the for the corrosion environment (electrolyte).
outstanding scientists to work in various directions of science In the presence of several damaging factors (in addition
and techniques. The majority of them work in sensitive areas to corrosion) the universal technology allows in 8÷10 times
where they solve actual problems of the “big” and “small” to increase resource for the most important elements of
energy and power sectors. In modern conditions the problem the power equipment in the process of operation which is
of effective power supply is necessary to resolve by taking into characterized by presence of erosive and erosion-corrosion
account the maximal unique features of the equipment that sort influences in conditions of increased aggressive environment
the region, area, city, settlement. On this basis, we construct (large concentration of hydrogen sulphid, chlorine-containing
such modern equipment for a particle region which is referred connections, etc.) are developed. These technologies are
to as highly effective equipment. With this purpose the so-called based on the basis of formation on surfaces of constructional
Register of priority decisions which are based objective power, materials of multilayered thin-film covering the general
audit the feasibility report on introduction on the most effective thickness which is not exceeding 20÷30 micrometers
