Russian President Vladimir Putin told African leaders at a Moscow summit on Wednesday that Russia was their best partner, accusing the West of colonial exploitation.
Putin addressed the third Russia-Africa Summit, attended by delegations from 48 countries and 22 individual leaders, framing Moscow as an alternative to former colonial powers . He claimed Western nations were pushing Africans into debt bondage with predatory financial terms, while Russia offered localised production, digital know-how, and job creation .
The summit is part of Russia’s push for political, economic, and military influence in Africa, where its Africa Corps paramilitaries remain active . Putin pledged to support greater African representation in the IMF and World Bank, expand joint infrastructure projects, and increase grain and fertiliser supplies beyond the 40 countries currently receiving them .
Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo told RT that cooperation with Russia was transparent and mutual, contrasting it with past relations with France . Putin also noted that around 40,000 Africans are studying at Russian universities .
The event follows Moscow’s broader strategy to counter Western pressure over its war in Ukraine by strengthening ties with the Global South . Russian state companies are expanding interests in mining and power generation, while state media and cultural institutions seek a larger footprint on the continent .
