Russia is preparing to host another major Africa summit in October as President Vladimir Putin intensifies efforts to expand Moscow’s political, military and economic footprint across the continent, particularly in the unstable Sahel region, where Western influence has weakened sharply in recent years.
Although Russian officials have not yet confirmed an exact date for the summit, preparations are already underway for a series of cooperation agreements expected to reshape Moscow’s growing partnerships with African governments. Among the most anticipated deals are new energy and economic agreements between Russia and Mali, a country that has rapidly strengthened ties with the Kremlin after cutting military cooperation with France and other Western allies.
The upcoming gathering will mark Russia’s third major Africa summit since 2019, underscoring the Kremlin’s determination to position itself as a leading alternative partner to the West across Africa. Moscow has increasingly framed its African outreach around anti-colonial rhetoric, presenting itself as a historic ally that never ruled colonies on the continent, unlike many European powers.
That message has found growing resonance in parts of Africa, especially in francophone countries where frustration with France and other Western nations has fuelled political realignments. In the Sahel, military-led governments in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have all moved closer to Russia after expelling French troops and reducing security cooperation with Western governments.
