Moscow Hosts Third Russia-Africa Summit to Expand Economic and Strategic Ties

Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed African leaders and government delegations gathered in Moscow on Wednesday for the third Russia-Africa Summit. The two-day event brings together representatives from 48 countries, including 22 individual heads of state, to discuss bilateral cooperation encompassing trade, security, arms deals, and grain supplies.

During his address, Putin described Russia as an optimal partner for the continent and criticised Western nations. He accused Western countries of attempting to exploit African resources and utilizing debt to hinder long-term development. According to Putin, the transition toward a multipolar global order faces resistance from nations accustomed to a colonial past.

Contrasting Moscow's approach with that of Western powers, Putin stated that Russian businesses avoid neo-colonial exploitation. He asserted that Russian enterprises focus on expanding the local processing of raw materials to generate employment and tax revenue, rather than solely extracting resources. Additionally, he stated that Russia is prepared to share digital expertise and localise production.

Putin highlighted ongoing agricultural cooperation, noting that Russia supplied 13 million metric tonnes of agricultural products to Africa during the first nine months of the year. He stated that Moscow is ready to expand grain and fertiliser shipments beyond the 40 African countries currently receiving them. Furthermore, he noted that approximately 40,000 African students are currently enrolled in Russian universities.

The summit forms part of a broader Kremlin strategy to strengthen Russian political, economic, and military influence across Africa, while simultaneously counteracting Western diplomatic pressure related to the conflict in Ukraine. The event, which was first held in 2019, features bilateral meetings between Putin and attending leaders to negotiate various agreements.

Western critics regularly accuse Russian leadership of leveraging historical ties and deploying paramilitary forces, such as the Africa Corps, to support military juntas and secure geopolitical influence. Moscow routinely rejects these accusations. The current summit is expected to conclude with a formal declaration aimed at deepening cooperation between Russia and participating African nations.