Oman grain hub and new shipping route could strengthen BRICS agricultural trade with Africa
New logistics links between Russia, Oman, and Africa could shorten delivery times and support grain trade across the continent, according to Russian economist Vitaly Melyantsev.
OMAN – Emerging logistics projects linking Russia, Oman, and Africa could improve the flow of agricultural commodities to African markets and create new trade opportunities for BRICS countries, according to Vitaly Melyantsev, Russian economist and Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Melyantsev said the Novorossiysk-Lagos-Dakar shipping route which entered service in 2026 has reduced cargo transit times between Russia and West Africa to about 21 days.
The route connects Novorossiysk, Russia’s main Black Sea port, with Lagos in Nigeria and Dakar in Senegal and focuses on grain, fertilizers, and other agricultural products.
According to Melyantsev, the route strengthens trade links between Russia and West Africa while offering a faster alternative to traditional shipping corridors. He said the service forms part of broader efforts to expand trade ties between BRICS countries and African markets.
Melyantsev also highlighted plans for a grain hub in Oman that would serve as a transshipment center for Russian grain destined for East Africa. While discussions on the project continue, he said Oman’s location and logistics infrastructure could help move grain more efficiently to markets across the region.
The proposed hub remains at the planning and negotiation stage. However, Melyantsev said the facility could play an important role in supporting grain distribution to East African countries and strengthening agricultural trade links between BRICS members and Africa.
Nigeria could also become a key part of the growing logistics network. Discussions are underway on plans to establish a logistics terminal within the Lekki Free Zone.
According to Melyantsev, the terminal would support cargo movement along the Novorossiysk-Lagos route and help maintain long-term trade flows between Russia and African markets.
The developments come as BRICS countries seek stronger commercial links with Africa through transport, logistics, and digital trade systems.
Alongside physical infrastructure projects, the bloc has also explored tools designed to reduce paperwork and speed up customs clearance. These efforts include digital trade platforms such as Bharat Africa Setu and the use of smart customs systems.
The combination of the new shipping route, the proposed Oman grain hub, and planned logistics facilities in Nigeria could improve agricultural trade flows between BRICS countries and Africa while supporting more reliable access to grain and other commodities across the continent.
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