The third Russia-Africa summit, co-chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin and African Union chair Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, took place in Moscow from October 28-29. Forty-eight of Africa's 54 countries confirmed their attendance, with 22 at the head-of-state level. This represents a significant increase from the 17 presidents who attended the 2023 summit in St. Petersburg. The high-level participation underscores Africa's growing interest in diversifying its partnerships and exploring new opportunities for cooperation.
The summit's agenda included a Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, which focused on mutually beneficial cooperation and unlocking the potential of every African country. Putin met with the heads of Africa's main regional bodies, including the African Union, the African Continental Free Trade Area, and ECOWAS. He also held bilateral talks with several African leaders, including those from Mozambique, Equatorial Guinea, and Libya. The Russian leader's diplomatic efforts aim to strengthen ties with Africa and promote Russia's interests on the continent.
Putin's address to the forum emphasized the emergence of a multipolar world, where Africa is poised to play a significant role. He accused Western governments of trying to push Africans into debt bondage and accused them of neocolonial practices. In contrast, Putin presented Russia as a reliable partner, committed to mutually beneficial cooperation and respectful of Africa's sovereignty. He highlighted Russia's joint programs with several African countries, which redirect debt-service payments into national development projects.
The current trade relationship between Russia and Africa is characterized by a significant imbalance. Russian exports to Africa totaled around $22.7 billion, while imports were only about $4.4 billion, according to Russian analyst Nikolay Golovko. Putin aims to double trade with Africa to over $50 billion. Russia's main exports to Africa include nuclear reactors, machinery, and agricultural products. In return, Africa exports raw materials, such as minerals and oil, to Russia.
The summit resulted in several agreements, including a Russia-Africa action plan for 2027-2029, a joint declaration, and a declaration on civilian artificial intelligence. Rosatom, Russia's state-owned nuclear corporation, is working on several projects in Africa, including the El Dabaa plant in Egypt and a potential power plant in Ethiopia. These agreements reflect Russia's growing presence in Africa's energy sector and its desire to become a major player in the continent's economic development.
Despite the diplomatic success of the summit, several challenges and concerns remain. Ghana reported that 62 of its citizens have died fighting in Russia's war in Ukraine, with 15 missing. Human Rights Watch documented the killing of eight civilians, including three children, in a June air strike in Mali by Russia's Africa Corps. These incidents highlight the complexities and risks associated with Africa's growing engagement with Russia.
The third Russia-Africa summit marks a significant milestone in the evolving relationship between Africa and Russia. With 48 African countries in attendance, the summit demonstrates Africa's growing interest in diversifying its partnerships and exploring new opportunities for cooperation. As Africa increasingly asserts its sovereignty and sets its own terms, the continent's leaders will need to carefully navigate the complexities of their relationships with multiple global powers.
Key points
- 48 African countries attend the third Russia-Africa summit, with 22 heads of state.
- Putin aims to double trade with Africa to over $50 billion.
- Russia's growing presence in Africa's energy sector, including nuclear projects in Egypt and Ethiopia.
