MOSCOW, October 30. /TASS/. Closer cooperation between Russia and African countries could bring economic opportunities to Uganda and the whole continent, Ugandan educator and founder of the Chunga-Changa interactive Russian-language school Daniel Omara told TASS.

"Russian people and Africans have been tied in this sort of collaboration before. The Russian people, together with other peoples of the Soviet Union, helped Africans fight for and gain their independence," said Omara, who won the Grand Prize in the Art of Teaching category of the International Eurasia Award.

He said that Africa had continued to face economic dependence even after gaining independence, with some Western and European partners maintaining relationships that, in his view, benefited them at the expense of African countries.

"Unfortunately, after getting independence, we almost found ourselves in a new season called neocolonialism. These colonial powers did not actually let go of African peoples. They kept taking advantage of them, with deals that are almost parasitic in nature," he said.

Omara believes closer ties with Russia could help African countries build partnerships on different terms, with greater respect for their independence and sovereignty.

Speaking about the outcome of the Russia-Africa summit, which ended on Thursday, he said: "This forum is bringing us back to a new reality, where we respect ourselves, respect each country's sovereignty and are able to meet on equal terms. We are not taking advantage of anyone."

He also welcomed the growing trade between Russia and African countries and the expansion of Russian businesses on the continent.

Omara singled out plans for local manufacturing and pharmaceutical production, saying that producing vaccines and medicines in Africa could open up new possibilities for the continent.

"These kinds of economic collaborations that we are seeing announced at this forum this year are just the beginning of the future that Africa is contributing to create together with Russia and countries of BRICS," he said.

The third Russia-Africa Summit was held in Moscow on October 28-29, bringing together delegations from 48 African countries, including 22 represented by heads of state. Participants discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, healthcare, technology and other areas.