Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for a greater African role in global economic decision-making and deeper cooperation with Moscow, as Russia seeks to strengthen its political, economic and military ties with the continent.
Putin made the appeal on Wednesday while hosting dozens of African leaders at the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, where delegates from 48 countries, including 22 African heads of state, are attending the two-day meeting.
Addressing participants, Putin described Russia as a reliable partner for Africa and called for an end to what he characterised as Western dominance over international affairs.
“The era when the destinies of entire continents were determined by a narrow bloc of states is coming to an irreversible end,” he said, arguing that the emerging global order should give all nations a greater voice in international decisions.
Putin also accused Western countries of continuing to exploit Africa’s natural resources and using debt to constrain the continent’s development, while presenting Russia as an alternative partner for economic cooperation.
A major focus of his address was the need to reform international financial institutions, particularly the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, to better reflect the priorities of developing economies.
“The time has come to reform these organisations and refocus them on the specific needs and requirements of developing economies,” he said.
The summit forms part of Moscow’s broader efforts to expand its influence in Africa through trade, investment, security cooperation and diplomatic engagement. Russian paramilitary forces operating under the Africa Corps also remain active in parts of the continent.
Co-chaired by Burundi’s President and African Union chair, Evariste Ndayishimiye, the summit has provided African leaders with an opportunity to press for partnerships that support industrialisation and greater local value addition.
Ndayishimiye said African countries wanted relationships that would enable them to generate more wealth from their natural resources rather than remain dependent on exporting raw materials.
“Africa is seeking partners to strengthen its capacity to generate its own wealth,” he said.
He added that the continent wanted to participate across the entire value chain, from production to marketing, rather than export unprocessed commodities and import finished products at higher prices.
The discussions come as African governments seek to diversify their international partnerships, attract investment and strengthen domestic industries amid changing global economic and geopolitical dynamics.
More than 40 sessions are scheduled during the summit, covering trade, investment, technology transfer, food and energy security, healthcare, education and youth exchanges.
The outcome of the discussions is expected to shape further engagement between Russia and African countries, particularly in areas where both sides see opportunities for economic cooperation and strategic alignment.
