At the Russia-Africa summit, Putin tells African leaders that Moscow is a better partner than the “colonialist” West

Russian President Vladimir Putin told African leaders gathered in Moscow on Wednesday that Russia is the continent’s best partner and is prepared to support its development through economic, technological, and infrastructure projects.

The statements were made at the third Russia-Africa summit, attended by delegations from 48 countries and 22 African leaders. Discussions focus on trade, security, arms contracts, grain supplies, and investment in areas such as mining, energy, and agriculture.

Putin accused Western countries of trying to exploit Africa’s resources and keep Africans in “debt slavery,” arguing that these practices hinder the continent’s development. In contrast, the Russian leader promised the transfer of knowledge, including in the digital sector, as well as the localization of production and the processing of raw materials in Africa.

Russia also supports greater influence for African states in the IMF and the World Bank and proposes joint transport and agricultural projects. Moscow says it supplies grain and fertilizers to more than 40 African countries.