The 3rd Russia-Africa Summit commenced on October 28, 2026, at the Gostiny Dvor in Moscow, Russia. The event was attended by Russian President Vladimir Poutine and representatives from 48 countries, including 22 heads of state. Gabon was represented by Vice President of the Government Hermann Immongault. The inaugural plenary session, co-chaired by Poutine and Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, focused on the theme "For Peace, Security, and Development."
In his opening address, President Poutine criticized the existing world order, stating that the era of certain countries deciding the fates of others was over. He emphasized the rise of a multipolar world and advocated for a stronger African presence in international decision-making bodies, such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Poutine also highlighted the growing influence of the BRICS group, which includes three African countries, and noted that its member states had generated over 40% of the global GDP in the past five years.
President Poutine called for deeper cooperation between Russia and African nations in strategic sectors like energy, agriculture, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and technology. He also suggested establishing mechanisms for settling trade exchanges in national currencies between Russia and African countries, citing the dependence on Western financial systems as a constraint to African sovereignty. Furthermore, Poutine expressed Russia's willingness to transfer technological solutions to African partners and highlighted the increasing presence of Russian companies on the African continent.
The Russian President emphasized his country's role as a significant partner to Africa in food security, noting that over 40 African countries already receive Russian grain and fertilizer supplies. He offered to increase these shipments. In the energy sector, Russia is involved in over 30 projects across 16 African countries. Poutine also mentioned the growth in the number of African students trained in Russia, which has increased by 1.5 times since 2020.
President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, speaking on behalf of the African Union, praised a partnership based on respect for national sovereignty and equitable access to resources, food, fertilizers, and modern technologies. The summit continued with around 40 economic events, expected to be attended by nearly 4,000 Russian and African entrepreneurs. For Gabon, this meeting presents an opportunity to showcase its national priorities in areas such as commerce, investment, and technology.
The Russia-Africa Summit provides a platform for participating nations to discuss and strengthen cooperation in various sectors. The event aims to promote peace, security, and development in Africa and enhance Russia's ties with the continent. With a focus on economic cooperation, the summit is expected to yield significant outcomes for the participating countries.
Key discussions at the summit included the expansion of cooperation in education and healthcare. Russia expressed interest in establishing units for producing Russian medicines and vaccines in Africa. The summit also highlighted the importance of technology transfer and investment in infrastructure development. Overall, the event seeks to solidify Russia's commitment to Africa and foster a stronger, more equitable global partnership.
Key points
- The summit emphasizes peace, security, and cooperation between Russia and Africa.
- President Poutine advocates for a stronger African presence in international decision-making bodies.
- Russia offers to increase grain and fertilizer supplies to Africa, and expand cooperation in energy and education.
