The third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow presented by the Kremlin as a celebration of a new multipolar world, provided African leaders with an opportunity to express their expectations from a partnership that has often been defined more by symbolism than delivery. Across two days of speeches, the continent's presidents and transitional leaders issued a common, pragmatic challenge: if Russia wants deeper influence in Africa, it must help African states build industries, generate electricity, secure their borders, feed their people, and settle conflicts on African terms.
Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, speaking as chairperson of the African Union, gave the summit its clearest economic message. Africa does not want to remain a supplier of raw materials to richer economies. Ndayishimiye stated that the future of Russia-Africa relations would be measured not in communiqués or ceremonial declarations, but in whether African countries can participate in the full value chain of their own resources—from extraction and processing to manufacturing, marketing, and profit.
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama struck a more diplomatic note, calling for peace in Ukraine without taking sides. Mahama positioned Accra as a potential bridge between Moscow and Kyiv, calling for international cooperation and solidarity in the fight against terrorism. On economics, Mahama was direct, seeking Russian involvement in agro-processing, fertiliser production, agricultural machinery, pharmaceuticals, transport infrastructure, the digital economy, and energy.
For Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi, the summit was inseparable from the war in the country's east. He called on Russia, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, to give full support to the implementation of Security Council resolutions 2773 and 2808. Tshisekedi demanded an end to hostilities, the withdrawal of the M23 movement from territory it occupies, an end to Rwandan military support for M23, and the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese soil.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi used the Moscow platform to deliver a sharp regional warning, opposing the militarisation of the Horn of Africa or any change to the status quo among countries bordering the Red Sea. The remarks carried an unmistakable message for Ethiopia amid the dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and Nile water rights. El-Sisi stressed that Egypt faces severe water scarcity and depends primarily on the Nile.
The summit also highlighted the importance of African solutions to African problems, with leaders insisting on partnership rather than patronage. This approach was echoed by the leaders of Mali and other African countries, who see Russia as a strategic partner in addressing their security and economic challenges. The African leaders' message was clear: they want a relationship with Russia that produces tangible benefits, including factories, power stations, jobs, and financial independence.
The Russia-Africa Summit concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening ties between Russia and Africa, with a focus on economic cooperation, security, and mutual benefit. The summit demonstrated that African leaders are determined to assert their sovereignty and shape their own destiny, while also seeking partnerships that can help them address their development challenges.
Key points
- African leaders demand a deeper partnership with Russia, focusing on economic development, security, and cooperation on African terms.
- The summit highlighted the importance of African solutions to African problems, with leaders insisting on partnership rather than patronage.
- African leaders seek a relationship with Russia that produces tangible benefits, including factories, power stations, jobs, and financial independence.
