The Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum opened in Moscow on Wednesday, bringing together Russian and African officials to strengthen economic ties, expand diplomatic cooperation and explore new opportunities for trade, investment and development.
Held as part of the Third Russia–Africa Summit on Oct. 28–29, the forum aims to build on existing cooperation and identify promising areas for future partnerships under the theme, “Developing Mutually Beneficial Cooperation and Unlocking the Potential of Every African Country Together.”
The programme features 40 sessions and panel discussions involving around 100 speakers, covering trade, investment, industry, technology, food and energy security, digitalisation, healthcare, education, science, media and youth exchanges.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to attend the forum’s plenary session, while the summit programme includes 19 bilateral meetings between the Russian president and visiting leaders and officials.
According to the organisers, 48 countries have confirmed participation in the Third Russia–Africa Summit, with 22 sending representatives at the highest level.
Lavrov highlights African sovereignty
Speaking at a working breakfast with African foreign ministers in Moscow on Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said African countries were seeking greater economic, energy and financial sovereignty following the achievement of political independence.
Lavrov described the continent as experiencing a “second awakening,” arguing that African countries were now seeking greater control over their economic development and resources.
“Russia will always be an ally of African countries on this path,” Lavrov said, adding that Moscow was ready to share its expertise and support efforts to strengthen their independence and sovereignty.
He also accused Western countries of attempting to discourage some African officials from travelling to Russia through political pressure, threats and what he described as false reports about conditions in the country.
Lavrov welcomed the participation of African representatives despite what he characterised as external pressure, saying their attendance reflected continued interest in cooperation with Moscow.
The Russian foreign minister also highlighted the expansion of Russia’s diplomatic presence across Africa. He said eight additional Russian embassies had opened on the continent since the previous Russia–Africa Summit in 2023, bringing the total to 48.
He added that Moscow welcomed reciprocal efforts by African countries to establish diplomatic missions in Russia and said his government was working to facilitate such moves.
During the meeting, Lavrov proposed exchanging views with African counterparts on pressing international and regional issues affecting the global situation and relations between Russia and African countries.
Trade, investment and technology on agenda
Beyond political dialogue, the forum is intended to translate diplomatic commitments into practical cooperation through roadmaps, agreements and pilot projects aimed at delivering results for African economies and social sectors.
An exhibition of Russian technologies and products is also being held alongside the discussions, showcasing developments in energy, natural resources, food supplies, pharmaceuticals, digital systems and financial infrastructure.
The forum’s business programme is designed to identify opportunities for cooperation across sectors considered important to economic development, including industrial production, healthcare, education and technological innovation.
Organised by the Roscongress Foundation, the event brings together the economic and humanitarian dimensions of Russia’s engagement with African countries.
The summit and forum come as Moscow seeks to deepen ties with African governments through diplomatic engagement and expanded economic cooperation. Their outcome will depend on the extent to which discussions are translated into concrete agreements, investment projects and partnerships that respond to the priorities of participating African countries.
