Cybersecurity and govtech lead Russia’s IT push to emerging markets
Russian IT companies expanded rapidly across the Global South in H1 2025, with projects in those markets running at 5–10% above the Global South total for 2024, according to consultancy firm TeDo.
Demand is strongest for cybersecurity, fintech and government tech. The Middle East is prioritising digitalisation, consulting and e-government; Latin America is investing in digital infrastructure and cloud services; while Iran, Ethiopia and Egypt have stepped up purchases of cybersecurity products.
TeDo estimates that by 2028 some Russian developers could be earning more than 30% of their revenue from Latin America, the Middle East and South-East Asia. It links the shift to softer regulatory requirements and a 5–7% rise in demand for digital solutions versus the first quarter of last year.
Central Bank figures show exports of computer services, including telecoms, reached ₹10,440 crore (USD 1.2 billion) in H1 2025, up from ₹9,570 crore (USD 1.1 billion) a year earlier.
Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development says it has expanded support for exporters since 2022 through a network of digital attachés and other measures aimed at easing tax and administrative burdens and increasing overseas demand, particularly for information security tools.
Market participants report firmer interest across the Middle East, South-East Asia, Africa and Latin America. Videoconferencing developer Vinteo calls the 30% revenue share “optimistic”, but notes these regions have become primary targets since 2022.
Nikolai Komlev, executive director of the Association of Computer and IT Enterprises (which includes 1C and Lanit), expects exports to the South to grow by about 5% in 2025. Hard data may remain patchy, he added, because many deliveries are booked through foreign subsidiaries and alternative settlement schemes not covered by official statistics.
Source: Kommersant