Putin Opens Third Russia-Africa Summit With 48 Delegations

Two-day talks began in Moscow on October 28 as more than 40 delegations arrived for the third Russia-Africa Summit. The event runs through October 29 and is chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin alongside Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye, who currently serves as chair of the African Union. Delegates from 48 African nations are participating in the forum, a number that includes 22 heads of state.

The gathering follows a period of intensified cooperation between Moscow and African governments. Since the first summit in Sochi in October 2019, trade volume between the two regions has grown from an estimated $16.8 billion to over $28 billion. This increase is driven primarily by energy, fertilizers, defense contracts, and nuclear power agreements. State-owned Rosatom has signed multiple deals in the nuclear sector, while Russia supplied 200,000 tonnes of grain to six African countries in 2023.

Security ties have expanded rapidly alongside commercial links. A report from the security consultancy African Security Analysis indicates that Russian military presence has grown from a few countries in 2023 to at least nine nations. The group notes that Russia has gained more influence through security operations than through trade. This shift coincides with Western sanctions imposed on Moscow over its war in Ukraine, which has prompted African partners to seek alternative economic and strategic relationships.

Prominent leaders attending the summit include Egypt’s Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The guest list also features Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso and Abdourahamane Tchiani of Niger, both of which maintain close security ties with Moscow. Other attendees include Kenya’s William Ruto, Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni, Namibia’s Netumbo Nandi-Ndatiwah, Sudan’s Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and Libya’s Mohamed al-Menfi. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov noted that attendance by heads of state has declined from the 43 leaders present in 2019, a drop Moscow attributes to Western pressure.

The official theme for the meeting is Developing Mutually Beneficial Cooperation, with a focus on unlocking the potential of every African country. More than 100 speakers will address topics including technology transfer, food security, healthcare, and youth exchange. A business program will precede the closing plenary session. Delegates are expected to adopt a final declaration and a Russia-Africa Partnership Forum plan covering the years 2027 to 2029.

Diplomatic friction remains a topic of discussion. Amnesty International published an open letter ahead of the summit urging leaders to demand that Moscow end the recruitment of Africans for its war in Ukraine. The organization described the practice as deceptive and coercive. The issue has already raised concerns in countries such as Kenya. Analysts suggest that sideline meetings between African delegations and Russian defense officials may provide clearer insight into future military arrangements than the main conference program.