Africa is seeking mutually beneficial partnerships, not aid dependency - President Mahama at Russia–Africa Summit

President John Dramani Mahama has emphasized Africa's determination to break free from reliance on foreign aid and raw material extraction, urging partners to pursue investment models that foster equitable, long-lasting benefits for all. At the 3rd Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow, the President highlighted the need to eliminate structural and administrative barriers that prevent goodwill from transforming into strong, sustainable commercial collaborations.

Africa, he stated, is a continent of the future, brimming with opportunities for mutual investment between African and Russian firms, especially in areas like agriculture, agro-processing, healthcare, energy security, and digital services.

Addressing trade imbalances, President Mahama called for improved market access for African products within the Russian Federation. He proposed the implementation of advanced trade settlement systems, notably utilizing local currencies and integrated digital payment systems to streamline bilateral transactions. Better market information, consistent quality standards, robust logistics, and stronger cooperation between private sectors can lead to a more balanced, dependable, and mutually advantageous trade environment, according to Mahama.

Acknowledging Russia's historical support for Africa during its fight against colonialism, the President emphasized that this legacy of political goodwill should now be harnessed to promote technological and economic development. Mahama, who will chair the African Union (AU) next year, expressed confidence in Russia's potential to contribute expertise in technology-driven initiatives that can hasten modern industrialization, growth, and prosperity across the continent.

His attendance at the summit is part of Ghana's strategy to broaden international trade ties, attract strategic investments, and advance the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agenda.