Russia-Africa summit: ambitions and challenges

During the Cold War, African independence movements often received Soviet sponsorship, whether through diplomacy, defence, financing, training, education, or support for major infrastructure projects such as the construction of Egypt’s Aswan Dam on the Nile. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, so too did Moscow’s imprint across Africa. Only after a decade did relations begin to rebuild, with expanding ties in energy, mining, arms, grain, and fertilisers.

Today, Russia wants to build on its historical legacy in Africa through broader economic partnerships, as African countries look to diversify their sources of financing and technology. The third Russia-Africa Summit taking place this week in Moscow therefore carries economic and diplomatic significance, as Russia seeks new markets, and African countries seek to bolster their own industries and infrastructure. An accompanying forum is expected to focus on trade, investment, nuclear energy, payment systems, food security, and digital technology.