The third Russia-Africa summit is scheduled to take place in Moscow on October 28-29, 2026. However, concerns are rising over the safety of travel to the event. Air Tanzania recently suspended its flights between Dar es Salaam and Moscow, citing an evaluation of risks, before resuming them a few hours later. This brief suspension highlights the uncertainties surrounding travel to the Russian capital.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has advised against flying over western Russia, citing risks to civil aircraft being mistaken for military targets and dangers from anti-aircraft defenses and satellite navigation jamming. This warning, updated on July 24, 2026, and valid until January 31, 2027, covers the Moscow region. While not a general ban on flights to Moscow, it adds to the concerns of African delegations attending the summit.
The safety concerns are not unfounded. There have been recent incidents involving civilian aircraft in conflict zones. In 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was destroyed by a Buk missile over eastern Ukraine, killing 298 people. In 2024, an Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, resulting in 38 fatalities. These incidents highlight the risks of coexistence between civilian aviation and military operations.
Economic promises made by Russia to Africa have also not been fully met. In 2019, Russian President Vladimir Putin promised to double trade with Africa to $40 billion. However, according to Irina Abramova, director of the Russian Academy of Sciences' Institute for Africa, trade reached only $27.7 billion in 2025. This represents 69.3% of the target, leaving a gap of $12.3 billion, or 30.8%, unfulfilled.
The Russia-Africa summit aims to strengthen ties between Russia and African nations. However, the concerns over travel safety and unmet economic promises may overshadow the event. African delegations will be looking for guarantees of security and concrete commitments from Russia. The summit's success will depend on Moscow's ability to address these concerns and demonstrate tangible benefits to African economies.
The summit will also be a test of credibility for the Kremlin. Russia's relations with Africa have been growing, but the current challenges may impact the partnership's future. African nations will be seeking reassurance on the safety of travel to Russia and the realization of economic promises. The outcome of the summit will be closely watched by observers and participants alike.
As the summit approaches, African nations and Russia will need to work together to address the concerns and ensure a successful event. The partnership between Russia and Africa has the potential to grow, but it will require mutual trust, security guarantees, and concrete economic benefits. The third Russia-Africa summit will be an important step in this direction.
Key points
- European Aviation Safety Agency advises against flying over western Russia due to safety risks.
- Russia's economic promises to Africa have not been fully met, with a trade gap of $12.3 billion.
- The third Russia-Africa summit will focus on security guarantees and economic commitments from Russia.
