Mahama joins African leaders at Russia – Africa Forum in Moscow

President John Dramani Mahama attended the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum in Moscow alongside other African leaders. The forum featured Russian President Vladimir Putin advocating for a fairer multipolar world order, emphasizing the need for greater representation of developing countries in global affairs. Putin declared that the era of global decision-making dominated by a select few nations was coming to an end, with emerging centers of global governance.

He highlighted Russia's commitment to strengthening economic and humanitarian ties with African countries, noting that Russia had exported over 13 million tonnes of agricultural produce to Africa between January and September 2026. The forum's focus on free and open dialogue underscored the transformation occurring in global affairs, with developing nations' voices expected to be increasingly heard.

Putin cited economic trends, noting that BRICS countries had contributed more than 40% of global Gross Domestic Product over the past five years, compared to less than 30% for the Group of Seven. He expressed confidence that this trend would continue to favor developing countries. Acknowledging Africa's growing sovereignty and influence, Putin praised the continent's determination to defend its interests and shape its own development path, drawing a parallel to the late Thomas Sankara's critique of debt as a form of neo-colonialism.

The two-day forum in Moscow concluded on Thursday, October 29, providing a platform for discussions on trade, energy, technology, peace and security, and sustainable development.