On the eve of the third Russia-Africa summit, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova reviewed the highlights of cooperation between Russia and Africa. In Moscow, she met with heads of media institutions, journalists, and representatives of African media outlets. Zakharova highlighted that Russia's trade exchanges with Africa exceeded $27 billion in 2025. She also noted that Moscow exported over 18 million tons of grain to African countries last year and an additional 13 million tons in the first nine months of 2026.
Zakharova pointed out that Russia's supply of mineral fertilizers to Africa increased from 1.5 million tons in 2025 to over 2.2 million tons this year. She mentioned that there are 22 joint government committees between Russia and African countries to enhance bilateral cooperation. In the energy and oil sectors, Zakharova stated that Soviet specialists participated in building around 30 major energy facilities in Africa, three oil refineries, 29 engineering and metallurgy plants, 40 agricultural facilities, and nearly 100 educational institutions.
The Russian spokesperson emphasized that around 480,000 African specialists received professional training in the Soviet Union and Russia. Currently, over 40,000 African students are studying in Russian universities. On the diplomatic front, Zakharova confirmed that Russia has 48 embassies in Africa and plans to open a new embassy in Liberia. This growing presence underscores Russia's commitment to strengthening ties with African nations.
Zakharova also highlighted Russia's media outreach in Africa, noting that Russian media broadcasts reach over 40 African countries. The Russian state news agency has a network of correspondents in several African countries, further expanding its influence on the continent. The upcoming summit is expected to build on the momentum of previous meetings, which aimed to enhance cooperation between Russia and Africa.
The third Russia-Africa summit is set to begin, with participation from several heads of state, including Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani. The event will also feature heads of government, ministers, representatives of associations and organizations, business leaders, and academic experts. With over 2,000 guests attending, the summit will include around 40 discussion sessions on various topics, including sovereignty, sustainable development, and technology.
This summit follows two previous meetings between Russia and Africa, held in Sochi in 2019 and St. Petersburg in 2023. These gatherings reflected Moscow's efforts to increase its presence in Africa and strengthen cooperation with the continent. The growing partnership between Russia and Africa is likely to have significant implications for the global landscape.
As the summit commences, participants will engage in discussions on key issues affecting Africa and the world. With a focus on cooperation and development, the meeting is expected to yield important outcomes and new agreements between Russia and African nations. The summit's success will depend on the ability of participants to build on existing momentum and address pressing challenges facing the continent.
Key points
- Russia's trade exchanges with Africa exceeded $27 billion in 2025.
- Over 40,000 African students are currently studying in Russian universities.
- Russia plans to open a new embassy in Liberia, expanding its diplomatic presence in Africa.
