Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged African countries to deepen ties with Moscow, presenting Russia as a more reliable development partner than Western nations, which he accused of exploiting the continent’s resources and using debt to constrain its growth.
Putin made the remarks on Wednesday at the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, a two-day gathering attended by delegations from 48 countries, including 22 African leaders. The meeting is expected to feature bilateral talks on trade, security, arms supplies and grain.
The summit, first held in 2019, is part of Russia’s broader effort to expand its political, economic and military influence across Africa, where Moscow is also seeking stronger commercial ties in sectors such as mining and power generation.
Russia has increased its engagement with African governments through security cooperation, state-owned businesses, media and cultural institutions. Its outreach to African countries and other nations in the Global South has also become part of Moscow’s effort to counter Western pressure over its war in Ukraine.
Addressing the gathering, Putin said Africa was becoming an increasingly important force in global economic and political affairs. He argued that efforts to establish a multipolar world faced resistance from countries unwilling to relinquish the advantages they had gained through colonialism.
Although he did not identify the countries he was criticising, Putin accused Western governments of attempting to push African nations into renewed debt dependence by offering financial assistance on unfavourable terms. He said such arrangements could undermine the continent’s long-term development.
Russia promises investment and technology transfer
Putin said Moscow was prepared to share its expertise with African countries, including in digital technology, and support local manufacturing rather than simply purchase raw materials. He argued that such cooperation could create jobs, generate tax revenue and help African economies build domestic industries.
He also said Russia supported giving African countries greater influence in the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Moscow, he added, was willing to pursue joint projects in transport and agricultural infrastructure and expand grain and fertiliser supplies to more African nations.
Putin said Russia had supplied 13 million metric tonnes of agricultural products to Africa during the first nine months of the year. He also noted that about 40,000 Africans were studying at Russian universities.
African leaders weigh closer ties with Moscow
Russia’s growing engagement with Africa has attracted scrutiny from Western governments, which have accused Russian paramilitary forces of supporting military-led governments, including in Mali, to strengthen Moscow’s influence and displace former colonial powers such as France. Russia rejects those allegations.
Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo, defended cooperation with Moscow, describing it as transparent and based on the interests of both parties.
Speaking to Russian state broadcaster RT, Ouedraogo said Russia was not seeking to erase African languages and cultures, contrasting its approach with Burkina Faso’s historical relationship with France.
The summit provides Moscow with another opportunity to strengthen its relationships with African governments as countries across the continent pursue partnerships in trade, infrastructure, agriculture, security and education.
Putin’s message was that Russia could offer an alternative to Western engagement. However, the gathering also comes amid wider geopolitical competition over Africa’s resources, strategic partnerships and role in an increasingly multipolar international order.
