Moscow:Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for stronger economic cooperation between Russia and African nations, emphasizing trade, agriculture, energy, technology, and infrastructure development.
According to NAMPA, President Putin made this appeal during the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum in Moscow. He highlighted that the bilateral trade with Africa had seen a significant increase, reaching over US$27 billion last year, and expressed optimism about doubling this figure in the coming years.
Putin outlined that the cooperation should extend to various sectors, including energy, transport infrastructure, agriculture, industry, and digital technologies. He stressed that these partnerships could enhance Africa's economic development and sovereignty. Furthermore, Russia is prepared to share technological expertise with African countries, particularly in digital solutions, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
On matters of food security, Putin noted that Russian grain and fertilizers are being exported to more than 40 African countries, with plans to increase supplies and support agricultural development. Russia exported 13 million tonnes of agricultural produce in the first nine months of 2026 and is collaborating with African countries on establishing agricultural hubs and improving food processing.
Putin also emphasized cooperation in mineral extraction and processing, where Russian companies are contributing to expanding local processing capacity, creating jobs, and increasing government revenue. Russia is willing to share water management technologies with the African Union to enhance water conservation and irrigation, while also supporting hydropower project development.
The forum, attended by over 40 African countries and 20 heads of state, including Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, aims to produce practical outcomes and strengthen commercial agreements between Russia and African countries. President Nandi-Ndaitwah traveled to Moscow for the summit, which concludes on Friday.