The second Russia-Africa Summit and economic forum are scheduled to take place on July 27-28 in St. Petersburg. The first Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi on October 22-24, 2019 saw 43 African heads of state gathering with high expectations of Russia becoming a new source of investment and trade for the continent. Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged to double Russian trade with Africa to about $40 billion within five years.
Since then, Russia’s influence in Africa has grown significantly, making it a dominant external partner in many African countries. Now, both Russian and African business leaders will come together in a round table to discuss crucial topics.
Among the key issues, there will be discussions about the termination of the grain deal and Moscow’s efforts to support global food markets. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed these topics would be addressed during the summit.
The Russia-Africa Summit presents an opportunity for representatives from relevant Russian ministries, African business leaders, and international relations experts to discuss the challenges facing both Russia and African countries amid global changes. It will delve into pressing issues and explore avenues for fostering economic, cultural, and humanitarian relations between Russia and Africa.
According to Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation and Executive Secretary of the Organizing Committee for Russia-Africa Events, the second Russia-Africa summit will serve as a unique platform for direct dialogues between business, government, and representatives from the creative and cultural communities of Russia and Africa. The aim is to strengthen ties and promote effective cooperation between the two regions in the near future.
Meanwhile, as Moscow looks to increase its impact on the continent, President Vladimir Putin stated back in March that strengthening ties between Russia and Africa was a top priority for the Kremlin. In a televised speech at a conference on Russian-African relations, Putin emphasised that his nation has always given collaboration with African states precedence and will do so in the future.