3rd Russia-Africa Summit Calls for Post-Colonial Economic Partnership Model
The triennial 3rd Russia-Africa Summit 2026 took place in Moscow from 28 to 29 October 2026. Out of 55 countries making up the African Union (AU), 48 sent delegations, of which 22 were represented by the Head of State or Government. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov stated that it is undeniably a sign of the close ties since the inaugural Summit in 2019 brought together 43 African countries, while the 2023 Summit registered a low of 17 African countries as the world was coming out of COVID19.
Russian President Vladimir Putin set the tone of the Summit as he hammered home the point that the colonial mindset for extractive exploitation must come to an end. Representing the African Union, the Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye echoed Putin’s call by underscoring that Africa is firmly driving its #industrialization policy and is transitioning from exporting raw materials and importing finished products to adding value locally and producing domestically what it needs.
Russia promoted nuclear energy cooperation via Rosatom. So far, fifteen African countries have signed nuclear energy cooperation agreements with Russia in a bid to diversify their energy mix and enhance their #EnergySecurity. Actually, Russia benefited as its agricultural exports to Africa reached nearly USD 3 billion in early 2026, representing a 35% surge over the corresponding previous period.
On the question of better representation and greater voice for Africa, Russia reiterated its support for Africa to be represented within the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The world is evolving from a unipolar to a multipolar one, and it is only fitting that global institutions reflect the new reality.
Ghana’s President John Mahama called for an early negotiated end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The conflict has an impact on #FoodSecurity for Africa and the rest of the world. On the other hand, Russia offered to mediate between Ethiopia and Eritrea for peace in the Horn of Africa.
Defense is another key cooperation area between Russia and Africa. Following the demise of the Wagner Group, Russia has come up with its Africa Corps. Russia seems to enjoy some success in the Sahel region, as Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger now have closer ties with Russia.
However, the Russia-Africa trade volume is below expectations. At the first Summit in 2019, the goal was set at USD 40 billion, but only USD 25 billion was traded in 2025. In order to reinforce ties, both sides agreed on a Russia-AU Joint Action Plan 2027-2029 and issued a joint declaration on points of convergence.