Russia-Africa Summit: Putin hosts leaders from across the continent (As it happened)
Moscow is hosting the third Russia-Africa Summit on Wednesday and Thursday, bringing together leaders and government delegations from 48 African countries for talks on political and economic cooperation.
The agenda covers trade, energy, agriculture, mining, education, healthcare, and artificial intelligence, as well as business cooperation through BRICS.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and African Union chair Evariste Ndayishimiye addressed the summit’s plenary session, while talks between Russian and African officials have covered investment, infrastructure, and economic ties. A series of agreements have also been signed with major African regional organizations.
The gathering follows previous summits in Sochi in 2019 and St. Petersburg in 2023, which helped lay the groundwork for closer relations between Russia and the continent.
The event comes as African governments push for greater influence in international affairs and more diverse economic partnerships against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions. Russia’s expanding ties with the continent have drawn Western criticism, while Moscow has accused Western governments of pressuring African states to stay away from the summit.
RT is bringing you the latest developments, statements, interviews, and footage from the summit and events across Moscow.
This live feed has now ended.
28 October 2026
20:15 GMTThis concludes our live coverage of the first day of the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow. Join us tomorrow for more developments and exclusive interviews as the summit continues.
- 20:09 GMT
Putin cited an African proverb at a Kremlin reception to emphasize the enduring nature of Russia’s relations with the continent.
“Africans have a good proverb: When the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind,” he said.
“No matter how the world changes, whatever the political or economic circumstances, the spirit and principles of Russia’s relations with African countries remain unchanged,” he added.
- 19:53 GMT
The dominance of the US dollar in international trade gives Washington the power to dictate terms to other countries and helps sustain the exploitation of Africa, Kwesi Pratt, managing editor of Ghana’s Insight newspaper, has told RT.
“If that should change, US power would be diminished substantially,” Pratt said.
“The exploitation of the African continent, of its people and its resources, is largely due to the existing financial system,” he added.
Pratt called for greater African unity and economic independence, pointing to the continent’s vast natural wealth and the need to use it for its own development. “Africa needs to be conscious of this power and to utilize this power fully in its interest,” he said. - 19:04 GMT
Energy cooperation with Russia could help drive Africa’s industrial development and create jobs for young people, Sierra Leone’s ambassador to Moscow, Mohamed Yongawo, has told RT
“President Putin is right. Africa is the future,” he said on the sidelines of the summit, calling for practical projects to provide sustainable, long-term energy solutions.
Yongawo described energy as essential to progress in other sectors, including agriculture and education, and urged Russia and African nations to make it a priority in their cooperation.
- 18:53 GMT
Russia and African nations remain “genuine friends and partners” regardless of political or economic changes around the world, Putin said at a Kremlin reception for participants of the summit.
“No matter how the world changes, the spirit and principles of Russia’s relations with African countries remain unchanged,” he said, stressing their shared commitment to a multipolar world order based on sovereign equality, mutual respect, and freedom from external dictates. - 18:18 GMT
A splash of color, culture, and unforgettable moments – take a look at some of the most vibrant scenes from the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow.
- 18:14 GMT
Putin has welcomed African leaders and other delegates attending the Russia-Africa Summit at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow.
A total of 48 African countries are participating in the gathering, with 22 represented at the highest level.
- 18:02 GMT
Agreements signed at the summit in Moscow will help strengthen cooperation with major African regional organizations and deepen ties with the continent, the Russian Foreign Ministry has said.
The documents include memorandums of understanding with the East African Community, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, as well as a 2027–2029 action plan with the African Union Commission.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also held a working breakfast with his counterparts from 41 African countries on the sidelines of the summit.
- 17:37 GMT
Africa should no longer expect an apology from the West for past exploitation and should instead seek genuine partnerships based on mutual benefit, Raymond Matlala, chairman of South Africa’s BRICS Youth Association, told RT on the sidelines of the media forum.
“Western countries have exploited Africa and now we need genuine, friendly partners,” he said, calling for cooperation that would “drive development in Africa for Africa, not the other way around.”
