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25.06.2025

"I see the Africa of tomorrow in these young people": Minister of Social Affairs and Solidarity of the Democratic Republic of Congo described the participants of Alabuga Start

Minister of Social Affairs and Solidarity of Suminwa government Nathalie-Aziza Munana visited the special economic zone (SEZ) "Alabuga". During the working visit she got acquainted with the conditions provided by the international programme Alabuga Start.

Mme Munana attended a Russian language lesson and personally communicated with the programme participants, including those from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Benin. The girls told her about their adaptation in the new country, where they live and how they are learning Russian.

"The experience of SEZ Alabuga is really impressive: young people enter the labour market with real work experience and theoretical knowledge of their profession. Most of those I saw here today are around 20-22 years old. This is a very good Russian initiative that I would like to import to us in Congo, and to Africa in general. As I often say, the Russia of tomorrow is the youth of today, because young people here are characterised by dedication, involvement and motivation," noted the Minister of Social Affairs and Solidarity.

At the end of the working visit, the guests got acquainted with the infrastructure of the special economic zone: they visited the Alabuga Start office, the Alabuga Polytech headquarters, where the company's employees live, and the Alabuga Polytech educational centre, where each Alabuga Start participant can enroll upon completing the 2-year programme.

"I have heard a lot about Alabuga, but it is impossible to fully appreciate the power and greatness of this place until you see it with your own eyes," shared Serge Phocas Odunlami, President of the Benin Diaspora in Russia.