Lavrov also used the visit to underline Moscow’s plans to expand its diplomatic presence across the continent.
Russia is presenting Africa as one of the key centres in what it calls a new multipolar world order.
After talks with Youssouf, Lavrov said Moscow shares the AU’s concerns about conflicts across the continent.
He pointed to instability in the Sahel, the Great Lakes region, the Horn of Africa, Sudan, South Sudan and Libya.
Lavrov said Russia will continue backing what he called African-led solutions to African problems. But security was only part of the message.
Lavrov described Africa as one of the world’s main centres of decision making and said its role in global affairs must grow.
He repeated Russia’s support for a larger African presence on the United Nations Security Council, alongside greater representation for Asia and Latin America.
According to Lavrov, Western countries already hold too many seats in key international institutions.
Lavrov also spoke of what he called Africa’s “second awakening”, a push for political independence, but also for economic, financial and energy sovereignty.
Lavrov said Russia sees itself as a long-term partner in that process.
