Russia is selling Africa dependence disguised as partnership

Ahead of the third Russia-Africa summit in Moscow, Vladimir Putin is seeking to expand Russia’s economic, military and political influence on the continent, which the author says has chiefly advanced Moscow’s interests and protected allied rulers. Putin is due to co-chair a plenary session with Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the current African Union chair, as delegates discuss investment, food security, energy and technology. Despite agreements at the 2019 and 2023 summits and Putin’s pledge to raise annual trade to $40bn, merchandise trade with Africa reached only $27.1bn in 2025.