On Thursday, the third Russia‑Africa Summit in Moscow ended with the adoption of a declaration that calls for a more multipolar world, greater African representation in global governance, and expanded cooperation in trade, energy, security, and technology.
The declaration, announced by the Kremlin, stresses national sovereignty, non‑interference, and respect for the United Nations Charter. It calls for reforms to international institutions, including a push for more African seats on the UN Security Council, and it opposes unilateral coercive measures and the unlawful seizure of sovereign assets.
In the economic arena, the document urges diversification of trade, the removal of trade barriers, and the boost of investment and industrialization in Africa. It highlights cooperation in energy—particularly nuclear power and natural gas—as well as agriculture, fertilizer supplies, critical‑minerals processing, and transport infrastructure.
Security cooperation is also a key focus. The declaration calls for closer ties to combat terrorism, violent extremism, and maritime piracy, and proposes establishing a permanent high‑level Russia‑Africa dialogue on counter‑terrorism, food security, and information security.
Other priorities include the cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, science, education, healthcare, and cultural exchanges. The declaration also stresses the need for greater recognition of the enduring consequences of colonialism, efforts to promote historical justice, and the return of cultural property.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at a press conference following the summit, said the event was a success that would give a strong impetus to the development of Russia‑Africa cooperation. He highlighted the continent’s aspiration to play a larger role in international decision‑making and referenced the lessons of world wars for global security.
"The Third Russia‑Africa Summit was a success and will undoubtedly give a powerful impetus to the development of Russia‑Africa cooperation," Putin said.
The summit brought together representatives from 48 African countries, 22 of them represented by heads of state, according to Kremlin figures. The host city, Moscow, served as a venue for high‑level discussions that included plans for a permanent high‑level Russia‑Africa dialogue on various security and economic issues.
Since the first Russia‑Africa Summit in 2015, Moscow has sought to deepen ties with the continent while positioning itself as a counterbalance to Western influence. The adoption of this declaration marks a continuity of Russia’s commitment to leveraging diplomatic, economic, and technological partnerships across Africa.
Key questions remain regarding the implementation of the declaration’s calls for institutional reforms, especially the push for African representation on the UN Security Council, and how Russia will work with other global powers to achieve a truly multipolar order. Observers also watch how the declaration’s emphasis on AI and digital technologies will shape cooperation on a global scale while addressing concerns about data security and sovereignty.
As the declaration moves from words to action, stakeholders will be watching Russia’s plans to establish permanent mechanisms for promoting cooperation between Moscow and African countries, including the proposed high‑level dialogue forums listed in the declaration.
