In brief
The summit concluded with a joint declaration urging a multipolar world and larger African participation in international bodies. Delegates agreed on expanding trade, energy, security, and digital collaboration while calling for reforms to international institutions, including more African seats on the UN Security Council. Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted the partnership’s potential and outlined future implementation mechanisms.
The third Russia‑Africa Summit reached its closing on Thursday, Oct. 29, in Moscow, where representatives from 48 African states—including 22 heads of state—approved a joint declaration that endorses a more multipolar world order and enhanced cooperation between the two regions.
According to Xinhua, the declaration underscores national sovereignty, non‑interference, and adherence to the UN Charter while calling for reforms to international institutions. It specifically advocates for greater African representation on the UN Security Council and opposes unilateral coercive measures and unlawful seizure of sovereign assets.
The Xinhua briefing also noted that the document urges diversification of trade, reduction of trade barriers, and increased investment and industrialization across Africa. It places particular emphasis on energy cooperation—highlighting nuclear power and natural gas—as well as agriculture, fertilizer supplies, critical minerals processing, and transport infrastructure.
Security collaboration features prominently in the declaration. It calls for deeper counterterrorism ties, joint efforts against violent extremism and maritime piracy, and the establishment of a permanent high‑level Russia‑Africa dialogue on counterterrorism, food security, and information security.
The declaration also prioritises technological and scientific partnership. It stresses cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, science, education, healthcare, and cultural exchanges, while recognising the enduring consequences of colonialism and advocating for the return of cultural property.
TASS reported that during the summit President Vladimir Putin praised the Russia‑Africa relationship, describing the two sides as “natural allies in building a new, fairer multipolar world order.” He lauded African countries’ desire to play a greater role in global governance, quoting,
"Of course, African countries seek to play a greater role in…"
In a press conference held later that day, Putin stated that the decisions reached at the summit will be implemented systematically, “through permanent mechanisms for promoting cooperation between Russia and Africa.” He reaffirmed the commitment to transform the agreements into concrete actions.
Throughout the two‑day event, Russia scheduled meetings with other African leaders and regional organisations. The Kremlin’s official website recorded conversations with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el‑Sisi, Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye, and a host of heads of African regional organisations, underscoring the breadth of engagement.
The summit’s outcomes signal an attempt to reshape Russia’s engagement strategy in Africa, expanding economic, security, and technological partnerships while simultaneously framing the relationship as part of a broader move toward multipolar governance. The document’s calls for institutional reforms and expanded African presence in global decision‑making arenas will likely be scrutinised by the international community as the agreements move from statement to practice.
