Putin wants to transfer some Russian factories to Africa, amid Western sanctions affecting Russia's economy

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced at the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow that Russia is interested in transferring certain production facilities to African countries, amid Western sanctions affecting the Russian economy and companies.

Putin presented the relocation of factories as a matter of mutual interest and claimed that Russian companies operate in Africa on an equal footing, without replicating Western colonial practices. He said they invest in local economies, support employees and their families, participate in humanitarian programs, and comply with environmental protection requirements.

The Russian leader also stated that approximately 85% of commercial operations between Russia and its partners are conducted in rubles. Moscow has also increased its exports of mineral fertilizers to African countries, from 1.5 million tons last year to more than 2.2 million tons this year.

Putin also announced that Russia is prepared to share agricultural technologies with African countries. He argued that Africa must become a market for production and sales, not merely one for consumption.