Putin Seeks to Strengthen Russia’s Influence in Africa at Moscow Summit.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has hosted dozens of African leaders at the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow, reaffirming his country’s commitment to strengthening political, economic and security ties with the continent.

Speaking at the opening of the two-day summit, Putin described the gathering as part of a broader global transformation and the end of Western dominance. He argued that the world was moving towards a multipolar order in which all nations should have a voice in international affairs.

“The era when the destinies of entire continents were determined by a narrow bloc of states is coming to an irreversible end,” Putin said, advocating a more equitable international system.

Putin also called for a stronger African voice in decision-making at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, stressing the need for these institutions to better address the continent’s developmental priorities. He further highlighted Russia’s role in supplying grain and fertilisers to more than 40 African countries, adding that Moscow was prepared to increase deliveries.

The summit represents another effort by the Kremlin to deepen relations with Africa, home to nearly 1.6 billion people and 54 countries that collectively constitute the largest voting bloc at the United Nations.

Russia first hosted the summit in 2019 and held a second edition in 2023. This year’s gathering attracted representatives from 48 African nations, with approximately 20 represented by their heads of state or government.

Beyond trade and diplomacy, security cooperation remains an important component of Russia’s engagement with Africa. As Moscow competes with the United States, Europe and China for greater influence, it has increasingly relied on military contractors to expand its presence across the continent.

In the Sahel, military governments in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have distanced themselves from traditional Western security partners following coups partly justified by persistent security challenges. They initially welcomed the Russian-backed Wagner mercenary group, which was subsequently replaced by Africa Corps, operating under Russia’s Defence Ministry.

In August, Africa Corps reportedly assisted Niger’s military government in swiftly suppressing a mutiny by a group of young soldiers in the capital.

Although the precise number of Russian mercenaries operating in the Sahel remains uncertain, estimates suggest between 1,700 and 2,000 are deployed across the three countries. The Central African Republic is also reported to host approximately 1,000 Russian private military contractors.

The summit underscores Moscow’s determination to expand its African partnerships as competition among global powers for the continent’s strategic resources, diplomatic support and security relationships intensifies.