In brief
During the Third Russia‑Africa Summit in Moscow on October 28–29, 2026, 48 African countries, including 22 heads of state, approved a declaration that stresses national sovereignty, greater African representation on the United Nations Security Council, and expanded cooperation in trade, energy, security, and technology. The document also calls for greater recognition of colonial legacies and the return of cultural property, while the Russian president heralded the summit as a success that will boost bilateral ties.
On October 28‑29, 2026, Moscow hosted the Third Russia‑Africa Summit, bringing together 48 African delegations, including 22 heads of state, to adopt a declaration that calls for a multipolar world, expanded cooperation, and greater African presence in global governance.
Declaration Text
The Kremlin released a statement outlining the text of the declaration, which stresses national sovereignty, non‑interference in internal affairs, and respect for the United Nations Charter. The document calls for reforms to international institutions, including increased African representation on the UN Security Council, and opposes unilateral coercive measures and unlawful seizure of sovereign assets.
Economic Cooperation
Under the declaration, participants agreed to diversify trade, lower trade barriers, and boost investment and industrialization in Africa. Energy cooperation includes nuclear power, natural gas, and exploration of critical minerals, along with the development of agriculture, fertilizer supply, and transport infrastructure to connect African markets with global supply chains.
Security and Counterterrorism
The summit’s communiqué urges closer security cooperation to combat terrorism, violent extremism and maritime piracy. It also proposes the establishment of a permanent high‑level Russia‑Africa dialogue on counter‑terrorism, food security and information security, emphasizing joint efforts against transnational threats.
Technology and Culture
Participants plan to expand collaboration in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, science, education, healthcare, and cultural exchanges, marking a broad strategy to share knowledge and create new economic and social opportunities across the continent.
Colonial Legacy and Cultural Property
The declaration stresses the need to acknowledge the enduring consequences of colonialism, promote historical justice and return cultural property. It calls for a global effort to restore artifacts and cultural heritage to their rightful owners, reflecting a shared commitment to addressing historic injustices.
Russian President’s Assessment
Following the summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the event as a success.
"The Third Russia‑Africa Summit was a success and will undoubtedly give a powerful impetus to the development of Russia‑Africa cooperation," he said in a press conference, according to TASS. The statement highlighted Russia’s support for African aspirations to play a larger role in international decision‑making and its perspective on global security and dialogue with Europe.
