Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged African countries to deepen ties with Moscow, presenting Russia as a more reliable partner than Western powers, which he accused of exploiting the continent through debt and neo-colonial economic practices.
Putin made the remarks on Wednesday at the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, where delegations from 48 countries, including 22 African leaders, gathered for discussions on trade, security, arms deals, agricultural supplies and economic cooperation.
The summit is part of Moscow’s broader effort to expand its political, economic and military influence across Africa as it seeks to counter Western pressure over its war in Ukraine.
Speaking at the event, Putin argued that Africa’s growing influence in global affairs was being resisted by countries unwilling to abandon colonial-era attitudes and economic arrangements that he said allowed them to enrich themselves at the continent’s expense.
He accused Western countries of attempting to push African nations into what he described as debt bondage by imposing unfavourable conditions on financial assistance, arguing that such arrangements undermine long-term development.
Although Putin did not explicitly name the countries he was criticising, his remarks were directed at Western powers whose economic and political influence across Africa Moscow has sought to challenge.
Russia Presents Itself to Africa as an Alternative Partner
Putin said Russia was prepared to share technology and expertise with African countries, support local manufacturing and help expand the processing of raw materials within the continent rather than simply purchase unprocessed commodities.
He argued that such an approach would create jobs, increase tax revenues and help African economies capture more value from their natural resources.
“Our business does not engage in the predatory, neo-colonial exploitation of natural and human resources, but rather expands the processing of raw materials locally, thereby creating new jobs and generating tax revenue,” Putin said.
Russia has been seeking to strengthen its position in African mining, energy, infrastructure and defence markets, while expanding cooperation with governments across the continent.
Russia’s growing engagement comes as African governments seek to diversify their international partnerships, attract investment and secure access to technology, agricultural inputs and infrastructure financing.
