Russia-Africa Summit: What is on the agenda, and why does it matter?

What the report says

Russian and African leaders are meeting in Moscow for the third Russia-Africa Summit, a two-day gathering running October 28-29, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and African Union chair Evariste Ndayishimiye presiding. According to Al Jazeera, delegations from 48 African countries are taking part, and the agenda includes trade, investment, technology transfer, food and energy security, healthcare, education and youth exchange. The summit is being framed by Moscow as a way to expand cooperation it says is mutually beneficial.

The meeting comes as Russia seeks to deepen ties across Africa while facing Western sanctions over its war in Ukraine. Al Jazeera reports that Russia has increased its role on the continent through security links as well as trade, with Russian missions or troops now present in at least nine African countries, according to an African Security Analysis group report cited in the article. Moscow’s relationships are also concentrated in sectors such as energy, fertilisers, defence and nuclear power.

The summit is also notable for the level of attendance, with Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov saying 22 heads of state are expected. Among those listed are leaders from Egypt, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Niger, Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, Sudan and Libya. Analysts cited by Al Jazeera say the sidelines may be as important as the formal sessions, especially for talks involving defence cooperation.

The article says participants are expected to adopt a final declaration and a Russia-Africa Partnership Forum plan covering 2027-2029. It also notes concern over the recruitment of Africans to fight in Ukraine, an issue Amnesty International has raised ahead of the summit.