Leaders gathered for a group photo at the Second Russia–Africa Summit in St. Petersburg on 27–28 July 2023. Photo Credit: Russian Government. 

NNA News - Russia will host African leaders in Moscow for the third Russia-Africa Summit in October, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday, as he reported that trade with the continent rose to $27.7 billion in 2025, up 43 per cent from 2024.  Speaking at the Foreign Ministry’s Business Council, Lavrov said the meeting was intended to set priorities ahead of the summit and to examine how Russian companies can deepen engagement in Africa and expand their presence. “I am delighted to welcome all participants to the regular meeting of the Foreign Ministry’s Business Council,” he told the council. The discussions would focus on “current issues in the development of Russian-African economic cooperation”.

Lavrov described Africa as an increasingly important force in a changing international order and referred to what he termed a “second awakening” as governments seek greater control over resources and industrial development. “The African continent, as the centre of a more just, multipolar world that is taking shape, is certainly experiencing a second awakening,” Lavrov said. “Today, we are witnessing a remarkable phenomenon: Africa’s ‘second awakening’. African countries now want to be masters of their own natural resources.”

The shift aligns with the African Union’s agenda, Lavrov told the council. The 55-member bloc coordinates integration, trade policy and diplomacy among African states. Lavrov also highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area, which has removed tariffs on most intra-African trade. He said Moscow supports African efforts to move beyond raw exports toward greater local processing and industrialisation.

Russia’s position also reflects historical ties with the continent dating back to the Soviet era, when Moscow supported decolonisation movements across Africa. “Our country provided comprehensive and free assistance to the struggle of African countries against colonialism and greatly contributed to the development and strengthening of their statehood,” he said.

Leaders gathered for a group photo at the Second Russia–Africa Summit in St. Petersburg on 27–28 July 2023. Photo Credit: Russian Government. 

Lavrov said Russia will continue to support African states in strengthening their sovereignty, including control over natural resources and the right to choose their own development paths without external pressure. Moscow has set a target of doubling trade with Africa by 2030. Diplomatic engagement has expanded alongside this, with African leaders making 17 visits to Russia in the past 18 months, he told the council. Russia’s diplomatic footprint on the continent has also grown. Embassies have opened in Niger, Sierra Leone and South Sudan, and a Department for Partnership with Africa has been created. Missions to Gambia, Liberia, Togo and the Union of the Comoros are planned.

As part of summit preparations, Lavrov met Bankole Adeoye, the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, in Moscow on June 13, where he also held consultations with Russian ministries. “Our relations with the African continent, with the African Union, and with virtually all African countries are progressing positively and steadily,” he said.

Lavrov told the council the third Russia-Africa Summit is scheduled for Oct. 28-29, 2026 in Moscow. He added that work continues on an action plan agreed at the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum in Cairo in December 2025. The plan sets out cooperation priorities for 2027-2029 across trade, investment and humanitarian engagement. “We hope to adopt it at the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow in October. The Foreign Ministry will work with Russian business to ensure the summit delivers practical outcomes and stronger economic ties with African partners.”