Russia Hosts 22 African Leaders at Moscow Summit as Putin Seeks to Deepen Continental Ties
Russia is hosting 22 African heads of state in Moscow on Wednesday and Thursday as President Vladimir Putin seeks to strengthen political, economic and security partnerships across the continent amid continuing Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine.
The third Russia-Africa Summit, which began on October 28, is bringing together delegations from 48 African countries, according to Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov. Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the current African Union chairperson, is co-chairing the summit with Putin.
The gathering is expected to focus on trade, investment, energy, agriculture, technology and humanitarian cooperation. Participants are also expected to discuss food security, digital services, artificial intelligence and independent payment systems.
Russian officials say trade between Russia and African countries exceeded $27 billion in 2025, reflecting Moscow’s efforts to expand commercial relations with the continent. The Kremlin has also outlined plans for bilateral agreements and a new partnership action plan covering 2027–2029.
Among the leaders expected to participate are Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Kenyan President William Ruto, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi is also attending, while Rwanda is represented by its prime minister.
The summit comes as Russia seeks to maintain and expand its influence in Africa, particularly in countries that have reduced their military and diplomatic cooperation with Western governments. Moscow has provided security assistance to several African governments, including those in the Sahel.
However, Russia’s engagement with the continent also faces scrutiny over its war in Ukraine and reports of efforts to recruit African nationals to fight alongside Russian forces.
The summit provides African governments with an opportunity to pursue trade, investment and security cooperation, while navigating competition among Russia, China, Western countries and other international partners for influence across the continent.
The meeting follows previous Russia-Africa summits held in Sochi in 2019 and St Petersburg in 2023.
