Africa & the World Analysis
The Russia–Africa Summit: a development partnership or an alliance?
As its war with Ukraine deepens Russia's rift with the West, Moscow has convened a second summit with African leaders. Is this a partnership built on trade and development — or a bid to win allies?
Eric Acha · 31 July 2023 · 9 min read Download PDF Share Cite
Key takeaways
- Many promises from the first summit in 2019 remain unmet: trade was meant to double to $40bn but stood at about $18bn in 2022.
- Engagement with Russia can diversify Africa's partners and bargaining power — if it complements, rather than replaces, existing relationships.
- Security deals, especially reliance on the Wagner Group, carry serious human-rights and stability risks.
- African governments should insist on transparency, responsible borrowing and mechanisms to follow up on every commitment made.
Amid the war between Russia and Ukraine, Russia has managed to convene a second Russia–Africa summit in St Petersburg. Many have questioned its motives given the timing: the summit seeks to reshape the relationship in ways not seen since the Cold War, as Moscow's conflict with the West deepens.
The first summit, in October 2019, aimed to strengthen economic, political and cultural ties. Many of its promises are still to be realised — notably the pledge to double trade with Africa to $40bn; by 2022 trade stood at $18bn. The pandemic played its part, which makes the next few years decisive in revealing the true intent of this relationship.
Potential benefits for Africa
- Diversified partnerships. Engaging Russia directly, as with China, can open new avenues for trade, investment and technology transfer, reducing reliance on a few traditional partners.
- Expertise and technology. Russian strengths in energy, mining and defence could support development — if both sides engage in good faith.
- Development finance. Investment could help close the infrastructure gap, though unlike China, Russia has little track record of large projects on the continent.
- A counterweight to Western influence. More partners can mean more leverage in international negotiations.
- Security guarantees. Some governments, notably in the Sahel, are turning to Russia for security support — with all the risks that brings.
About the author
Eric Acha
Policy analyst and Executive Director of the Africa Policy Forum, writing on Africa's external partnerships, trade and global finance.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Africa Policy Forum. Media enquiries: press office.
Tags: Africa–RussiaSahel securityDebt
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