Akshay DidwaniyaRussian President Vladimir Putin told African leaders he hopes they enjoy Moscow and thanked them for accepting his invitation to the Russia-Africa Summit 2026.
Putin Welcomes African Delegations To Moscow
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed hope that his African guests will enjoy their time in Moscow. He also thanked them for accepting the invitation to attend.
“I am very glad to see you all. Thank you for coming to visit us here in Moscow. This is a traditional meeting. I hope you find your time here interesting and that you enjoy interacting both with your Russian colleagues and with your counterparts from other African countries. We will do our best to ensure that your stay is both pleasant and as productive as possible.”
Putin made these remarks at the plenary session of the Russia-Africa economic and humanitarian forum.
A Tradition Now In Its Third Edition
The Russian leader thanked summit participants sincerely for accepting Russia’s invitation. He noted this marks the third Russia-Africa Summit held so far.
“This is the third time we are holding a Russia-Africa summit, and, in keeping with established tradition, we begin our proceedings with a plenary session.”
The third Russia-Africa Summit and its accompanying economic and humanitarian forum run in Moscow from October 28 to 29.
From Sochi To Moscow: A Growing Partnership
This year’s gathering is the third of its kind. The first summit took place in Sochi back in 2019. The second edition followed in St. Petersburg in 2023.
The Russia-Africa economic and humanitarian forum regularly brings together top executives from major Russian and African companies. Government officials, media representatives, civil society figures, researchers and leading experts also attend.
Dozens Of African Nations Confirm Attendance
A total of 48 African countries have confirmed their participation in this year’s summit. Among them, 22 nations will be represented directly by their heads of state.
Several leaders have already arrived in Moscow ahead of the official proceedings. These include the presidents of Zimbabwe, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea and South Sudan. Eritrea’s leader, Mali’s head of state and Libya’s Presidential Council chief have also landed.
Organizers invited heads of major regional bodies as well. These include the African Union, the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Economic Community of Central African States, among several others.
A Shared Motto And Dual Leadership
The forum carries the same motto used in previous editions: “For peace, security and development.” This slogan reflects the summit’s central themes this year.
Putin and Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye will co-chair the summit together. Ndayishimiye currently serves as the sitting chairperson of the African Union.
What’s On The Agenda
The official program began on October 28, with the plenary session held at Gostiny Dvor. That evening, a formal reception takes place at the Palace of Facets, hosted by Russia’s president in honor of summit guests.
The main events are scheduled for Thursday, October 29. Two separate plenary sessions will take place that day, both featuring Putin.
Organizers plan to sign three important documents once the summit concludes. These include a final declaration, a joint declaration on artificial intelligence cooperation and an action plan for the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum covering 2027 to 2029.
A packed business program also awaits delegates. Roughly four thousand Russian and African entrepreneurs are expected to take part in related business activities.
Aditya Didwaniya
Pratik Agrawal
Mayur Mohta
