Vladimir Putin invites African countries to join modern international payment systems

At the third "Russia-Africa" summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed the potential for African nations to connect to advanced international payment systems. While touring an exhibition highlighting cutting-edge Russian solutions, Putin and African leaders were briefed on A7's capabilities in this realm. Putin stressed that modern payment technologies facilitate online transactions using both traditional and digital currencies, ensuring convenience and transparency.

He further stated that these transactions adhere to international law. "Digital currencies are developing both in the United States and in Russia. Why can't the African continent join this high-tech system?" Putin inquired. The Russian President also highlighted the sovereign nature of the payment system and its independence from external restrictions, affirming that no one could cut off these payments with modern technology.

Anton Siluanov, Russia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, elaborated on A7's entry into the African market for international settlements, emphasizing the speed and low cost of transactions — just one click with a fee of merely 0.3%. Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of the Russian Presidential Office, disclosed that Russian banks, alongside foreign partners and non-bank financial institutions, are already facilitating global payments without relying on the Western financial system.

He underscored Russia's willingness to share these technologies with other countries. A7 is actively developing international payment infrastructure, including in Africa. By 2025, the company had opened representative offices in Nigeria and Zimbabwe. A7, established in 2024 with PSB's participation, operates a payment infrastructure spanning over 100 countries, serving more than 15,000 businesses engaged in foreign trade. In 2025, A7 processed payments totaling over 10 trillion rubles.