The third Russia-Africa summit, held in Moscow on October 28-29, 2026, brought together over 3,500 participants from 74 countries. The event saw the participation of representatives from around 50 African countries, including nearly 20 heads of state and government, as well as leaders of continental integration organizations. The summit focused on peace, security, and development, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and African Union President Évariste Ndayishimiye co-chairing the plenary sessions.
During the summit, President Putin emphasized that the era of Western dominance in determining the fate of other nations is over, positioning Africa as a major player in global politics. He criticized the debt system, calling it a neocolonial instrument designed to subjugate African economies. Moscow highlighted its technological capabilities to support Africa in areas such as civil nuclear energy and artificial intelligence.
African leaders expressed their vision for a multipolar world, with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi calling for a more ambitious and operational partnership. He urged the continent to move beyond its role as a raw materials exporter, citing projects like the El-Dabaa nuclear power plant and the Russian industrial zone in the Suez Canal. The Egyptian leader also advocated for reform of the international order and the UN Security Council.
The African Union President, Évariste Ndayishimiye, stressed that Africa will not be content with simply exporting raw materials and importing finished products. He invited Russian companies to invest in industrial partnerships, skills transfer, agricultural modernization, and energy and logistics infrastructure. The summit resulted in the adoption of the final declaration, a new action plan for the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, and a statement on cooperation in civil AI applications.
The summit also saw the signing of numerous intergovernmental and interministerial agreements covering various areas of Russian-African cooperation. The event was attended by nearly 4,000 Russian and African entrepreneurs during the economic and humanitarian forum. The Russian and African leaders exchanged views on key issues, including sovereignty, economic transformation, and international order reform.
On the sidelines of the summit, Benin's Vice President met with President Putin. The meeting highlighted the importance of strengthening ties between Russia and African countries. The two leaders discussed ways to enhance cooperation in various fields, including trade, investment, and security.
The third Russia-Africa summit concluded with joint press statements from President Putin and African Union President Ndayishimiye. The event marked a significant milestone in Russia's engagement with Africa, with Moscow seeking to establish itself as a key partner for the continent. The summit demonstrated Africa's growing influence in global politics and its desire for a more multipolar world order.
Key points
- Africa is emerging as a major hub in global politics, with the continent seeking to assert its influence and shape international relations.
