Vladimir Putin Hosts 22 African Leaders for Russia-Africa Summit

President Vladimir Putin is hosting 22 African leaders in Moscow on October 28-29 for the 3rd Russia-Africa Forum. Co-chaired by Putin and African Union chair Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye, the summit focuses on energy, global affairs, and economic cooperation. The event is expected to result in 33 intergovernmental and commercial agreements, two declarations on artificial intelligence and joint positions, and a cooperation action plan for 2027-2029.

Among the attendees is Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, who arrived in Moscow from Ethiopia. Mahama's itinerary includes a bilateral meeting with Putin, sessions with Russian businesses, and a visit to a Kente exhibition. During his visit, the Russian University of Transport and the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia will award Mahama Honorary Doctorate Degrees.

The summit includes an Economic and Humanitarian Forum with approximately 4,000 entrepreneurs and delegations from 48 African countries. The Russian Foreign Ministry claimed Western governments used financial blackmail to discourage attendance, while Mali Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop defended his country's partnership with Russia. Putin's schedule also includes 24 bilateral meetings, including sessions with leaders from Iran, Qatar, and Libya during the eighth Gas Exporting Countries Forum summit.