Developing Russian cultural diplomacy in African states requires conducting a scientific analysis of influence spheres, influence forms, practices and technologies for promoting Russian culture deep into the Dark Continent. Thus the paper aims to reveal main achievements of the cultural diplomacy of the Russian Federation related to establishing friendly and working relations with African countries in different historical periods. The article compares two concepts similar in meaning, soft power and cultural diplomacy, it is argued that initially the concept of soft power was used to enhance the international image of the United States, and later - to strengthen the foreign policy of other countries through variety of non-violent methods of influence. The concept of cultural diplomacy, as a rule, refers to a system of formation and development of longterm, equal and multilateral relations between countries, which is responsible for exchanging ideas, information, objects and achievements of high and popular art, for developing creative industries and practices in order to promote mutual understanding and expand cooperation. The author focuses on the structural and institutional components of Russian cultural diplomacy, whose activities are aimed at strengthening cooperation between Russia and African states. The main empirical basis for the analysis of modern forms of cultural and communication interaction with African states are the materials of the international summits “Russia-Africa (2019-2023), as well as documents from the forums of the international BRICS alliance, which was joined by the Republic of South Africa (South Africa) in 2011, and Egypt and Ethiopia in 2024.