Russia Relies on Foreign Labor, including african Women, to Boost Drone Production
TATARSTAN, RUSSIA – Facing a labor shortage in its defense industry, Russia is increasingly turning to foreign workers, including women from across Africa, to manufacture drones used in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Approximately 200 women, primarily from central and west Africa, are currently employed in defense factories within the Alabuga special economic zone in Tatarstan, east of Moscow, assembling drones from components sourced from Iran.
These women are recruited through the “Alabuga Start” program, heavily advertised on social media platforms like TikTok, often utilizing paid influencers. While the program promotes opportunities for work experience, on-the-job training, accommodation, Russian language lessons, and free flights to Russia, focusing on sectors like catering, hospitality, and service jobs, recruits are often assigned to drone assembly upon arrival.
Workers earn around 40,000 roubles a month, considerably less than thier Russian counterparts in the defense industry. The program specifically targets female migrant workers due to a combination of financial incentives – lower wages compared to Russian workers – and perceived advantages in control and suitability for tasks requiring “patience and precision.”
Reports indicate that conditions for these workers are often exploitative, including long working hours and exposure to perilous chemicals. Passports are allegedly withheld to prevent women from leaving their employment. Kenya has launched an inquiry into the Alabuga Start program, potentially leading to its shutdown within the country.
The reliance on foreign labor highlights vulnerabilities in Russia’s military planning and the economic strains imposed by the war in Ukraine, though experts beleive these issues are unlikely to halt Russia’s military efforts.
