Russian President Vladimir Putin is hosting African leaders and other delegations in Moscow for the third Russia-Africa summit, as Russia seeks to deepen its political, economic and military influence across the continent.

The two-day meeting is attended by delegations from 48 countries, including 22 African leaders. It is co-chaired by Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye, the current chair of the African Union.

More than 40 sessions are expected to address trade, investment, technology transfer, food and energy security, healthcare, education and youth exchanges.

Putin presents Russia as an alternative partner

Addressing delegates, Putin described Russia as Africa’s best partner and said the continent was becoming a more influential force in global economic and political affairs.

He argued that the international order was changing, saying, “The era when the destinies of entire continents were determined by a narrow bloc of states is coming to an irreversible end.” Putin added that this was being replaced by a system in which “the voices of all nations participating in international affairs must be heard.”

Putin also accused Western countries of continuing to exploit Africa’s resources and using debt to restrict the continent’s development. Those remarks were presented as part of Russia’s effort to position itself as an alternative to Western influence.

Russia’s Africa Corps paramilitary fighters remain active in Africa, according to the source report, adding a security dimension to Moscow’s wider engagement with the continent.

Call for a stronger African role in global institutions

Putin called for greater African participation in decision-making at the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group. He said the institutions should be reformed to better address the needs of developing economies.

“The time has come to reform these organisations and refocus them on the specific needs and requirements of developing economies,” Putin said.

Ndayishimiye said African countries supported stronger partnerships but wanted arrangements that would increase their ability to create wealth domestically. He said the continent did not want to remain dependent on exporting raw materials and importing finished goods.

“Africa is seeking partners to strengthen its capacity to generate its own wealth,” Ndayishimiye said. He added: “We do not want to be consigned to exporting our raw materials only to then import the finished products—at a high cost.”

The African Union chair also called for African countries to participate throughout the value chain, from production to marketing, so that more of the wealth created would benefit their populations.

The summit’s discussions reflect Russia’s broader effort to expand its relationships with African states across politics, commerce, security and development. The source report did not identify all of the participating countries or the 22 African leaders attending.