In brief
In late‑October, 48 African delegations met in Moscow to adopt a comprehensive declaration calling for a more multipolar world and an expanded partnership in trade, energy, security and technology. The statement emphasises national sovereignty, proposes reforms to international institutions such as additional UN Security Council seats for Africa, and calls for joint efforts against terrorism and colonial‑era injustices. Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed the summit as a success that will accelerate Russia‑Africa cooperation.
In Moscow on Oct. 28‑29, delegates from 48 African states, including 22 heads of state, came together for the third Russia‑Africa Summit to sign a declaration that lays out a vision for a multipolar global order and a deeper partnership between the two regions. The Kremlin said the document calls for increased African participation in global governance and a broad expansion of trade, energy, security, science and technology ties.
The declaration stresses the rights of national sovereignty, the principle of non‑interference in internal affairs, and respect for the United Nations Charter. One of its key points is a push for reforms to international institutions, notably a request for Africa to secure additional seats on the UN Security Council. It also warns against unilateral coercive measures and the unlawful seizure of sovereign assets.
In the economic realm, the paper urges African nations to diversify trade partners, lower trade barriers, and increase investment and industrialisation. It lists specific areas for cooperation, including nuclear power and natural gas, crop yields and fertiliser supplies, the processing of critical minerals, and transport infrastructure projects. Iran. The declaration sees a coordinated approach to tackling regional security challenges, such as terrorism, violent extremism and maritime piracy, and proposes a permanent high‑level Russia‑Africa dialogue to address counter‑terrorism, food security and information security.
Technology and innovation are highlighted as central to future collaboration. The declaration asks for joint ventures in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, science, education, healthcare and cultural exchanges. It also calls for greater recognition of the lasting impacts of colonialism, efforts toward historical justice and the return of cultural property.
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the summit’s outcome in a press conference following the event, calling it a success that will “give a powerful impetus to the development of Russia‑Africa cooperation.” He said Moscow welcomed Africa’s aspiration to play a larger role in global decision‑making and noted that the summit would open new opportunities for trade, investment, grain supply and security collaboration.
Officials said the decisions reached today will be implemented systematically, with permanent mechanisms set up to promote more robust cooperation between Russia and African countries, according to a Kremlin statement. The declaration therefore marks a concrete step toward a world where African states have a more substantial voice in shaping international policy and where Russia and the continent work together across a broad spectrum of priorities.
