South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit recently attended the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, where he emphasized the importance of strengthening friendship and cooperation between South Sudan and Russia. The two-day summit, held on October 28-29, brought together delegations from 48 African countries, including about 20 heads of state and government. The event was co-chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye, the current Chairperson of the African Union.
In his address to the summit, President Kiir highlighted the need for a deeper strategic partnership between Russia and Africa, citing the changing global environment. He stressed that concerted efforts are required to build a fairer international order that guarantees equality among nations and protects the interests of all peoples without discrimination. This call for cooperation was echoed by President Putin, who framed the summit as part of a wider global shift toward multipolarity.
President Putin emphasized that the era of a narrow bloc of states determining the destinies of entire continents is coming to an end, and a more just world is emerging where the voices of all nations must be heard. He also called for a stronger African voice in global financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Additionally, Putin said Russia was ready to expand grain and fertilizer supplies to African countries.
The summit focused on practical areas of cooperation, including artificial intelligence, industrialization, technology transfer, banking and payment systems, trade, energy, food security, healthcare, education, and security cooperation. Russia proposed closer banking ties, greater use of national currencies in trade, and cooperation in AI, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, agriculture, energy, and healthcare. These areas of cooperation were discussed in detail, with a focus on mutually beneficial partnerships.
African Union Chairperson President Ndayishimiye emphasized that Africa was not attending the summit as a continent seeking handouts. Instead, African countries came to accelerate their own development and seek value-added partnerships that support local processing of resources, industrialization, infrastructure, job creation, and greater self-reliance. Many African leaders echoed this message, calling for partnerships based on mutual respect rather than the extraction of raw materials.
President Kiir also highlighted opportunities for investment in South Sudan’s agriculture, petroleum, mining, and tourism sectors, which are supported by the country’s diverse natural resources. He expressed South Sudan’s readiness to welcome Russian and international investors, stressing that natural resources must be harnessed responsibly to deliver mutual benefits and sustainable economic development. Furthermore, Kiir expressed South Sudan’s support for the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum Action Plan for 2027-2029.
The summit is expected to adopt a declaration on civilian applications of artificial intelligence, and South Sudan’s participation in the event forms part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen bilateral relations with Russia and expand opportunities for economic cooperation, investment, and technology transfer. The Russia-Africa Summit aims to foster a stronger and more equitable global partnership, with a focus on mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and Africa.
Key points
- South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit calls for stronger economic ties between Russia and Africa at the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow.
- The summit focuses on practical areas of cooperation, including artificial intelligence, industrialization, and energy.
- African leaders emphasize the need for partnerships based on mutual respect and value-added cooperation.
