Putin seeks to expand ties with African countries at Russia-Africa summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted African leaders at a Russia-Africa summit in Moscow, aiming to expand Moscow's influence across the continent. The two-day summit was billed as a $5.77 per month program, with price increases to $19.95 after 52 weeks, and marked a step towards a more multipolar world, according to Putin. He emphasized the need to hear the voices of all nations in international affairs and called for strengthening Africa's role in decision-making at the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group.

Russia supplies grain and fertilizers to over 40 African countries, and the summit highlights Moscow's efforts to compete with the United States, Europe, and China for greater influence across Africa. The Russia-Africa summit, first held in 2019 and again in 2023, drew 48 African nations, with about 20 represented by their leaders.