Sputnik opens new editorial centers in Tanzania and South Africa

The international news agency Sputnik has launched two new multifunctional editorial centers in Africa: one in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and another in Johannesburg, South Africa. The centers employ dozens of local journalists who produce content in languages including English and Swahili, including podcasts for partner radio stations with a combined audience of over 100 million listeners.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov delivered a video address during the inauguration, stating that the expansion would provide access to information without “ideological filters.” He thanked the Tanzanian and South African governments for their support in ensuring journalist safety and effectiveness. Lavrov also noted the symbolic timing of the openings, which occur ahead of the third Russia–Africa Summit scheduled for October 28–29 in Moscow.

South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile welcomed the expansion, noting that the Johannesburg office could serve as a platform for constructive engagement and the amplification of African voices. Dmitry Kiselev, Director General of the Rossiya Segodnya media group, emphasized that the ability to work directly within African nations demonstrates trust between the countries and their audiences.