“Russia is a reliable supplier of food and agricultural products to African markets. This represents a concrete and tangible contribution to food security across all of Africa,” Putin said during the plenary session of the Russia-Africa summit currently taking place in the capital.
The president highlighted the dynamic growth in trade between Russia and African nations, noting that the volume has increased by 50% since the previous summit, held in 2023.
He also noted that trade between his country and the African continent exceeded $27 billion in 2025.
“The trend is positive, but the true potential of our cooperation is, of course, much greater,” Putin acknowledged.
In this context, he pointed out that Russian exports of mineral fertilizers to African countries have already surpassed 2.2 million tons in 2026, up from approximately 1.5 million tons the previous year.
Regarding commercial operations between Russia and Africa, the president stated that the ruble now accounts for up to 85% of transactions, which helps shield economic exchanges from external influences.
Putin also emphasized that Russian companies conduct business in Africa on equal terms with their local partners.
“Our businesspeople always maintain honest, respectful, and responsible relationships with their African partners, operating on a basis of equality.
They do not extract profits through the colonial-style practices of former imperial powers; rather, they invest and channel the earnings generated back into the development of these countries’ economies,” he explained.
According to Putin, Russian companies operating in Africa look after the well-being of their workers and their families, fund and participate in significant humanitarian programs, pay special attention to environmental concerns, and respect the internal political processes of African nations.
Furthermore, the head of state noted that numerous Russian companies are carrying out major investment projects in Africa across sectors such as energy—including nuclear energy for peaceful purposes—mining, the extraction of mineral resources, industrial cooperation, logistics, and tourism.
On October 28 and 29, Moscow will host the third Russia-Africa Summit, alongside an economic and humanitarian forum.
Established in 2019, the Russia-Africa forum serves as a platform for dialogue. To date, two summits have taken place: the first in 2019 in the Russian city of Sochi, and the second in 2023 in Saint Petersburg.
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