Putin pitches Russia as Africa’s partner at Moscow summit as trade gap persists
At a Moscow summit attended by delegations from 48 countries, Putin accused Western powers of exploitation and sought closer ties with African leaders. Trade and arms figures put Russia’s role in context.
Russian President Vladimir Putin told African leaders at the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow on 28 October 2026 that Russia was their best partner, accusing Western countries of exploiting the continent’s resources and using debt to hold back development, Reuters reported. The address was part of Moscow’s effort to expand its influence in Africa, where its commercial reach trails that of other major partners.
The two-day summit brought government delegations from 48 countries and 22 African leaders to Moscow, according to Reuters. Putin was due to hold individual talks with many of the leaders on trade, security, arms deals and grain supplies. His accusations about Western conduct were political claims made in his address.
Russia’s trade with Africa and its larger rivals
Deutsche Welle reported that Egypt accounted for about 39% of Russia’s trade with Africa in 2025, citing Russian customs data. Trade between Russia and Egypt reached $10.5 billion that year, more than double its 2021 level. Russian grain was the main driver, followed by metal products; Egypt’s exports to Russia were chiefly fruit and vegetables.
The wider comparison is stark. Deutsche Welle put European Union trade with African countries at about $385 billion in 2025 and China’s at more than $348 billion. Trade with the United States was almost $105 billion and with India about $103 billion. Deutsche Welle described Russia as a relatively small trading partner despite the attention Moscow devotes to the continent.
How Moscow seeks influence beyond trade
The summit, first held in 2019, is one part of Russia’s broader political, economic and military push in Africa, Reuters reported. Fighters from Russia’s Africa Corps remain active on the continent, while Russian state companies seek roles in mining and power generation. State media and cultural institutions are also expanding their presence.
Deutsche Welle cited Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimates that Russia supplied 15% of Africa’s arms imports over 2021–2025, behind the United States at 19% and China at 17%. Ivan Klyszcz of the International Centre for Defence and Security told Deutsche Welle that food and fertilizer supplies, together with a military presence in some countries, give Moscow influence beyond what trade and investment totals suggest.
The summit runs through 29 October. Deutsche Welle said its programme focuses on economic cooperation and also covers politics, security, science and culture. The planned bilateral meetings offer leaders a forum to discuss the trade and security issues raised in Putin’s address; their outcomes were not immediately clear.
Read in depth: World
Netanyahu retains security powers as Israel enters caretaker period
After Israel’s 27 October election, Benjamin Netanyahu remains caretaker prime minister. Legal analysts say the government faces constraints on some decisions but retains...
Shehbaz Sharif sets November progress deadline for Pakistan-Alibaba digital projects
Pakistan’s prime minister told ministries to set targets and report progress on cooperation with Alibaba, spanning exports, agriculture, training and public services.
Sources and context
- Russia’s Putin woos African leaders at summit, slams ‘colonial’ WestReuters, republished by South China Morning Post
- Russia in Africa: What does Putin hope to achieve?Deutsche Welle
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.