Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Western countries of trying to subjugate Africa through debt during the opening of the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum in Moscow. He stated that the West is seeking to drown Africa in debt slavery, emphasizing the importance of strengthening cooperation between Russia and Africa in areas such as economy, energy, and technology. Putin also stressed the need to expand the role of African countries in international financial institutions and support their economic decision-making independence.
Putin highlighted that Africa is poised to become the global center of demographic growth, with the continent already experiencing this shift. He noted that Africa has vast prospects for achieving sustainable economic growth, given its resources and developmental potential. Russia expressed its readiness to enhance its partnership with African countries, exchanging experiences and technologies to support development and improve resource management, particularly in the water sector.
The Russian President emphasized that the continued reliance of African countries on Western financial systems limits their economic sovereignty. He underscored the integration of Russian and African interests in the energy sector, explaining that cooperation between the two sides goes beyond meeting their needs to include export possibilities. Putin also mentioned that Russian companies have developed technologies capable of transforming service quality and expressed willingness to share these unique technologies with African countries.
Putin considered ensuring food security as one of the top priorities for the continent, highlighting Africa's ability to meet its food needs and enhance its chances of achieving more sustainable development. He described the nature of economic relations between Russia and Africa, stating that Russian companies do not follow unfair or colonial practices in Africa but instead contribute to the development of the continent's countries.
The Russia-Africa summit, which kicked off in Moscow, brings together 48 African countries, with 22 countries represented by their heads of state, along with leaders of 10 regional organizations and nearly 4,000 businessmen. The summit aims to enhance partnership and expand cooperation prospects between Russia and Africa in economic, political, and technological areas. The event includes discussions on four main axes: sovereignty, the economy of a sovereign global system, social and humanitarian cooperation, and technology and innovation.
The forum's program includes specialized forums on media, youth, and diplomacy, with participation from Russian and African media representatives, experts, academics, and officials from both sides. The summit is expected to result in the signing of a package of 33 documents, including government international documents, cooperation agreements, memoranda, and commercial contracts with African countries. An closing statement and a declaration on cooperation in artificial intelligence are also anticipated.
The Russia-Africa summit seeks to strengthen Moscow's economic and diplomatic presence in the African continent, as African countries aim to capitalize on investment opportunities, expand trade exchanges, and develop cooperation in technology, industry, and energy. The summit takes place against the backdrop of growing trade and economic relations between Russia and African countries, with bilateral trade exceeding $27 billion in 2025.
Key points
- Putin emphasized the need for a more just world where the voices of the majority are heard.
- Africa is poised to become the global center of demographic growth.
- Russia aims to enhance its partnership with African countries in various sectors.
