Multipolar world order taking shape – Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced at the Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum in Moscow that a multipolar world order is emerging, marking the end of global decisions being controlled by a select few countries. The forum, which included African leaders like John Dramani Mahama, underscored the growing significance of multipolarity in international affairs.

Putin emphasized that the forum's emphasis on "free and open dialogue" illustrated the breadth of change in world dynamics. He affirmed that the BRICS nations, accounting for over 40% of global GDP over the past five years compared to less than 30% for the G7, played a crucial role in this shift. Africa, Putin noted, was asserting itself more assertively, gaining greater sovereignty and influence on the global stage.

He described this as an "awakening," citing the continent's increasing strength and standing. Putin stressed that Africans were committed to defending their interests and shaping their own development paths, viewing debt as a form of neo-colonialism as described by the late President of Burkina Faso, Thomas Sankara. Russia, known for being a significant supplier of agricultural products to Africa, was expanding its reach, exporting 13 million tonnes of agricultural products to the continent in the first nine months of 2026 alone.

Putin also offered to share Russia's technological expertise and digital innovations to bolster African countries' energy markets and access to affordable, sustainable energy sources. Over 30 energy projects were being jointly implemented in 16 African nations, and the number of African students studying in Russia had surged by 50% since 2020, with 5,500 scholarship slots available for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Putin reiterated Russia's commitment to expanding trade, economic, and humanitarian cooperation with all African countries, highlighting the forum's potential to foster dialogue on trade, energy, technology, peace, and security.