Russian President Vladimir Putin recently suggested that African countries connect to high-tech international payment networks during the third Russia-Africa Summit. He emphasized that these networks enable online transactions in conventional and digital currencies, ensuring convenience and transparency. Putin stated that these transactions are conducted in accordance with international law.
Putin highlighted the capabilities of the A7 company, a Russian firm specializing in international payments, which has developed an infrastructure covering over 100 countries. A7's services are used by more than 15,000 participants in foreign economic activity, and in 2025, the company processed payments exceeding 10,000 billion rubles. The company opened representative offices in Nigeria and Zimbabwe in 2025.
The Russian President stressed the sovereign nature of the presented payment network and its independence from external restrictions. He assured that no one can block transactions made through this network, citing the impossibility of blocking such payments with modern technology. Putin's statement was made during a visit to an exhibition of advanced Russian solutions.
Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov discussed A7's entry into the African international payment market, highlighting its speed and low cost. Siluanov noted that payments are made quickly, with a single click, and at a cost of only 0.3%, which is extremely low for transactions. This development aims to provide African countries with an alternative to traditional payment systems.
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. Oreshkin emphasized Russia's willingness to share these technologies with other states.
A7's international payment infrastructure is being developed, including in Africa. The company's services aim to provide a convenient, transparent, and secure way for African countries to conduct international transactions. This development is expected to strengthen economic ties between Russia and Africa.
The Russia-Africa Summit provided a platform for discussions on economic cooperation, including the development of new payment systems. Putin's advice to African countries to join new generation international payment networks reflects Russia's efforts to expand its economic influence in Africa and provide alternative solutions to traditional Western-dominated financial systems.
Key points
- A7's payment network is independent from external restrictions, ensuring that transactions cannot be blocked.
