At the third edition of the Russia-Africa Summit, Russian President Vladimir Poutine suggested that African countries connect to high-tech international payment networks. He made this statement while visiting an exhibition of advanced Russian solutions, where he and African leaders were presented with the capabilities of the A7 company in cross-border payments. Poutine emphasized that cutting-edge payment technologies enable online transactions in conventional and digital currencies, ensuring convenience and transparency.
According to Poutine, these transactions are carried out in accordance with international law. He questioned why the African continent could not connect to this high-tech network, given that digital currencies are being developed in the United States and Russia. Poutine highlighted the sovereign nature of the presented payment network and its independence from external restrictions. He assured that no one could block transactions, as it is technically impossible to block such payments with modern technologies.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Anton Siluanov discussed A7's entry into the African international payment market, emphasizing its speed and low cost. He stated that payments are rapid, taking only one click, and the cost is extremely low at 0.3%, making it an attractive option for transactions. This presentation was part of Russia's efforts to showcase its advanced payment solutions to African nations.
Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Director of the Russian Presidential Administration, revealed that a Russian bank has partnered with foreign partners and non-bank financial organizations to facilitate global payments without relying on the Western financial system. He stressed Russia's willingness to share these technologies with other states. This move is part of Russia's strategy to expand its influence in global financial systems.
A7, a Russian company specializing in international payments, was established in 2024 with the participation of PSB. Its payment infrastructure covers over 100 countries, with more than 15,000 participants in foreign economic activity using its services. In 2025, A7 opened representative offices in Nigeria and Zimbabwe, further expanding its presence in Africa.
The company's achievements are notable, with the volume of payments made via A7 exceeding 10,000 billion rubles (RUB) in 2025. A7's expansion into Africa is seen as a strategic move to tap into the continent's growing demand for efficient and secure payment systems. By offering low-cost and rapid transactions, A7 aims to become a major player in the African payment market.
Poutine's advice to African countries to join new generation international payment networks reflects Russia's ambitions to strengthen its economic ties with Africa. By promoting its advanced payment technologies, Russia seeks to offer African nations an alternative to traditional Western-dominated financial systems. This development has the potential to reshape the global payment landscape and create new opportunities for economic cooperation between Russia and Africa.
Key points
- Russia's A7 company offers low-cost and rapid cross-border payments, with a transaction cost of 0.3% and processing in one click.
