Key facts
- Russia is Africa's best partner, according to President Vladimir Putin.
- Putin accused the West of neo-colonial exploitation of African resources.
- Russia is ready to share digital know-how and localize production in Africa.
- Russia supports greater African influence in the IMF and World Bank.
- Russia supplied 13 million metric tons of agricultural products to Africa in the first nine months of the year.
Russian President Vladimir Putin told African leaders on Wednesday that Russia was their best partner, accusing the West of exploiting the continent's resources and using debt to hinder development. Speaking at the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, attended by leaders from 48 countries, Putin presented Russia as a superior partner to Western nations, which he characterized as colonial powers. The summit is part of Russia's broader strategy to increase its political, economic, and military influence in Africa, counterbalancing Western pressure over the war in Ukraine. Putin highlighted Russia's readiness to share digital know-how, localize production, and support joint infrastructure projects, contrasting this with what he described as the West's predatory, neo-colonial practices. He also noted that Russia had supplied 13 million metric tons of agricultural products to Africa in the first nine months of the year.