By Lawal Sale
The Russian Federation has outlined preparations for the Third Russia–Africa Summit, scheduled to take place in Moscow from October 28 to 29, describing the event as a significant milestone in the evolving partnership between Russia and African nations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, in collaboration with the Roscongress Foundation, held a briefing for ambassadors and representatives of the African diplomatic corps to provide updates on preparations for the high-level gathering.
According to a statement by Roscongress, the briefing was opened by the Russia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Georgy Borisenko, who noted the strong interest by African countries in the upcoming Summit, emphasizing that it builds on the achievements of the inaugural Russia–Africa Summit in Sochi in 2019 and the second summit in St. Petersburg in 2023.
“The Russia–Africa Summit, which will take place in Moscow in late October, is a landmark event in Russia–Africa relations. It will serve as a logical continuation of the groundwork launched at the 2019 Summit in Sochi and the 2023 Summit in St. Petersburg,” Borisenko said.
He identified trade, investment, peaceful uses of nuclear energy, digitalization, payment systems, and food security as key items on the Summit’s agenda.
According to the statement, substantial part of the briefing focused on preparations for the Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, which will be held alongside the Summit and organized by the Roscongress Foundation.
Deputy CEO of the Roscongress Foundation, Alexandra Ogneva, said the Forum would continue to serve as an important platform for developing practical initiatives aimed at strengthening Russia’s multifaceted cooperation with African countries.
“The architecture of the business programme is being worked out as we speak. Plans are also in place to organize an exhibition showcasing African countries at the Forum, as was done in 2019 and 2023,” Ogneva said.
Also, according to Russian officials, the Third Russia–Africa Summit is expected to deepen the strategic partnership between Russia and Africa, expand economic and humanitarian cooperation, and advance joint initiatives within an emerging multipolar world order.
Expected outcomes of the Summit include the adoption of a joint declaration, the endorsement of a new Action Plan for the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum for 2027–2029, and the signing of several intergovernmental agreements and business contracts.
The Summit comes amid growing political, economic, and diplomatic engagement between Russia and African nations, highlighting Africa’s increasing role in shaping global affairs and strengthening South-South cooperation. (GSF)