Russian President Vladimir Putin opened a two-day Russia-Africa summit in Moscow on Wednesday, where delegations from 48 African countries attended as he called for closer ties and a stronger African voice in global organizations.
About 22 countries sent their heads of state, while officials represented the others. Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the African Union’s current chair, is co-chairing the gathering. Putin presented the meeting as part of a shift toward a world where power is shared among several countries.
He argued that Africa should have a stronger role in decisions at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. He said Russia was ready to increase grain and fertilizer deliveries. He presented Moscow as an alternative partner to Western countries.
Putin accused Western countries of taking advantage of African resources and using debt to limit development. Putin also promoted sharing Russian technology and producing goods locally, including medicines and vaccines, as areas for cooperation. The summit is the third Russia-Africa gathering since 2019.
The previous one took place in 2023. The agenda covers trade, security, technology, food and energy. Moscow is seeking to deepen its political and economic ties across the continent.
The talks are taking place as Russia faces Western sanctions over its war in Ukraine. Russia is also pursuing closer ties with governments looking for alternatives to traditional Western partners.