‘Economic incentives are limited’: What does Russia really offer Africa?

Nicolas Haque examines Russia’s influence in Africa, from Wagner mercenaries in the Central African Republic to Africa Corps, now controlled by Russia’s Ministry of Defence. As Moscow wages war in Ukraine, Africans have been recruited to fight there, sometimes under false pretences; an investigation documented 502 African deaths by June 2026. In Cameroon, Mama Regina is waiting for the body of her son Moses, who went to Russia to fight. Ahead of the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, economic incentives are more limited than at previous meetings, although delegations from 48 countries, including 22 heads of state, are expected.