In brief
At the 48‑country summit in Moscow, delegates adopted a declaration calling for a more multipolar world and greater African presence in global governance. The document stresses sovereignty, UN Charter respect, and reforms that would enlarge African representation on the UN Security Council. It also demands expanded cooperation in trade, energy—especially nuclear and natural gas—security, and digital technologies, while emphasizing peace, security, and climate‑risk mitigation as prerequisites for African development.
On October 29, 2026, representatives from 48 African states and their 22 heads of state met in Moscow to conclude the third Russia‑Africa Summit, where the assembly approved a comprehensive declaration that seeks a more multipolar global order and increased African influence in worldwide decision‑making.
Key Proposals of the Declaration
The declaration calls for reforms to international institutions, notably the expansion of African seats on the United Nations Security Council, and stresses the principles of national sovereignty, non‑interference, and respect for the UN Charter. It urges the abandonment of unilateral coercive measures and the unlawful seizure of sovereign assets, while emphasizing the necessity of fostering a global framework that values diverse voices. In addition, the agreement underscores the importance of combating terrorism, violent extremism, and maritime piracy through closer security cooperation.
From a Russian perspective, the document highlights the Kremlin’s continued emphasis on protecting national sovereignty while encouraging broader participation in global governance. It calls for the fair and transparent implementation of reforms, points out the need to reduce trade barriers, and declares that mutual investment and industrialisation should be prioritized in Africa. The Russian delegation also underscored the quest for equitable solutions, especially in the context of evolving international power dynamics.
Tunisian Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri, representing a nation that sits at the nexus of multiple climate and security challenges, stressed that peace and security are the foundations upon which Africa’s development can be built. She warned that converging crises—from armed conflicts to economic fluctuations and climate risks—require comprehensive approaches and strengthened international solidarity. Zenzri highlighted preventive diplomacy and greater support for the African Union’s early warning systems, mediation, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
“African solutions to African problems’ remain a pillar of lasting peace,” she said.
The declaration places a high priority on energy cooperation, listing nuclear power and natural gas as key sectors for joint development. It also calls for expanded collaboration in agriculture, including the production of fertilizers, the processing of critical minerals, and the construction of transport infrastructure that can sustain trade and food security in the continent.
Trade and investment provisions in the document stress the diversification of trade ties and the removal of barriers that inhibit economic growth. By fostering favourable investment climates and industrialisation effort, Russia and African partners aim to create more resilient, export‑oriented economies that can better withstand global market shocks and climate‑driven disruptions.
Security cooperation is another focal point of the summit, with participants agreeing to establish a permanent high‑level dialogue on counter‑terrorism and food security, and to strengthen measures against piracy and violent extremism. The agreement also highlights the need for transparent information sharing and the promotion of regional stability.
The declaration realizes the importance of digital technologies and proposes joint efforts in artificial intelligence, science, education, healthcare, and cultural exchanges. By promoting the transfer of knowledge and technology, the partners hope to accelerate sustainable development and help African states build the capacity needed to address climate adaptation and mitigation challenges.
Recognising historical injustices, the summit’s document calls for greater acknowledgement of the enduring consequences of colonialism. It advocates for the return of cultural property and the promotion of historical justice, believing that such actions can contribute to long‑lasting peace and foster deeper cultural ties across continents.
In a brief remark following the summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin described the meeting as a success that will inject a “powerful impetus to the development of Russia‑Africa cooperation.” The declaration’s wide‑ranging promises are expected to shape economic, security, and environmental collaboration in the years ahead, as both sides seek stronger partnership amid a more multipolar world order.
"The Third Russia‑Africa Summit was a success and 'will undoubtedly give a powerful impetus to the development of Russia‑Africa cooperation.'" TASS, 2014-07-17
