By Anthony Marcus, correspondent – Eurasia Business News, July 27, 2023

Photo : The Russian President Vladimir Putin and the President of South-Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa.

Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the plenary session of the Russia-Africa Forum on Thursday (July 27th) and will meet with the leaders of the countries of the continent who arrived in St. Petersburg until the evening of July 28th.

The Russian president attended the plenary session alongside the current Chairperson of the African Union, Comoros President Azali Assoumani and Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat. Before the start of the plenary session, a separate meeting was held.

In addition, Vladimir Putin held talks with the heads of Africa’s regional organizations, before holding a series of bilateral meetings with the presidents of Mozambique, Burundi, Zimbabwe, Uganda and Eritrea – Filipe Nyusi, Evariste Ndayishimiye, Emmerson Mnangagwa, Yoweri Museveni and Isaias Afwerki.

In the evening, an official welcoming ceremony for the heads of delegation who arrived at the summit, as well as a solemn reception on behalf of the Russian President were held.

Nearly 17 African heads of state arrived in St. Petersburg for the Russia-Africa summit and the previous economic and humanitarian forum.

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Another 10 African countries are represented at the level of Prime Ministers, Deputy Prime Ministers and Heads of Parliament. In total, the Russia-Africa summit brings together delegations from 49 states on the continent, as well as the leaders of almost all regional organizations.

Russia and African countries support the formation of a just and multipolar world order, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a reception in honor of the guests of the Russia-Africa summit.

« Now Russia and African countries are together in favor of the formation of a just and multipolar world order based on the principles of sovereign equality, respect for the right of peoples to determine their own destiny,” the Russian president said.

Vladimir Putin also said that Russia will contribute to the prevention of conflicts on the African continent, continue to contribute to the settlement of current crises, help fight terrorism and extremism, pandemics and hunger.

« We are truly ready to work together, hand in hand with our African friends, for the future, to build a truly strategic interaction and partnership. ” said the Head of State.

« Africa’s potential is obvious to everyone,” the Russian president added. According to him, the average annual GDP growth of African countries over the past 20 years has been 4 to 4.5 percent, which exceeds global figures.

In the next three to four months, 25-50 thousand tons of grain will be donated to African countries. Recipient states include Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Eritrea, Mali, Somalia and Zimbabwe. “We will also provide free delivery of these products to consumers,” said Vladimir Putin. He also announced Russia’s readiness to share technology with African countries.

The head of state also drew attention to the fact that Africa’s population is growing faster than anywhere else in the world, and is approaching 1.5 billion people. “It is also characteristic that the growth of the middle class, which is the main demand for modern goods and services, exceeds similar indicators in most parts of the world,” Putin told the assembly of African leaders meeting in St. Petersburg.

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Earlier, the Russian president said that Russia considers the African Union a leading regional organization and is ready to help strengthen the sovereignty of African states. According to him, the Russian side is also ready to help Africa become “one of the key partners in the new system of a multipolar world order”.

Economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa slowed to 3.6% in 2022, and it is projected to further slow down to 3.1% in 2023, according to the World Bank. The persistent sluggishness of the global economy, high inflation rates, challenging financial conditions, and high levels of debt contribute to this slowdown.

Growth prospects on the continent vary across countries. While some countries may experience positive economic growth, others may face challenges and slower growth rates.

The previous Russia-Africa summit was held in Sochi in 2019 and aimed to double trade between Russia and Africa. This year’s summit is expected to focus on economic cooperation, with African leaders looking to president Vladimir Putin for concrete commitments on grain shipments. The Russian president has promised no-cost Russian grain shipments to six African countries. However, analysts warn that East Africa could experience food shortages due to complications from Russia exiting the grain initiative. The summit is also an opportunity for Moscow to strengthen Russia’s ties with African countries and expand its influence on the continent, and counter Western powers.

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