Africa: Russia-Africa Summit to Test Moscow's Ambitions for Broader Influence

What the report says

A Russia-Africa summit opened in Moscow on Wednesday with more than 20 African leaders in attendance, according to RFI’s report distributed by AllAfrica. The two-day meeting is the third since 2019 and comes as Russia seeks to broaden its influence in Africa while facing sanctions linked to its war in Ukraine. The article says 48 African countries sent delegations, including 22 heads of state, and that President Vladimir Putin planned one-on-one meetings with many of them.

The summit is being used to advance Moscow’s political and economic goals on the continent. RFI reported that Putin framed Russia as an alternative to Western powers and said the country wanted to deepen cooperation in trade, agriculture, medicines, vaccines and digital technology. The Kremlin also said Russia intended to expand its diplomatic footprint in Africa, including opening a new embassy in Liberia. A final declaration on cooperation, along with a separate statement on artificial intelligence, was expected at the end of the summit.

The report also noted that Russia’s Africa ties remain heavily shaped by security relationships. Several African militaries still use Soviet-era equipment, and Russian paramilitary forces operate in some countries, including Mali. At the same time, analysts cited by RFI said Russia’s war in Ukraine may limit how much Moscow can offer beyond defence support and some commercial goods.

The article added that the summit comes amid concern over reports of Africans being recruited, including allegedly by deceptive means, to fight for Russia in Ukraine. Rights groups and some African governments have raised alarm, making the meeting politically sensitive as well as strategic.