Can Russia compete with the US, China and the EU in Africa?

Video Duration 28 minutes 00 seconds play-arrow28:00Moscow pledges more trade and investment in Africa, where leaders want local industries, technology and jobs.Russia’s forces are on the ground in several African countries. Its businesses, far less so.At a summit in Moscow, President Vladimir Putin pledged to nearly double trade to more than $50bn.He accused the West of driving Africans into “debt bondage”, promising a fairer deal.Grain, weapons, nuclear plants and factories — Moscow’s pitch is broad.But previous trade ambitions remain unmet. Russia conducts less trade with all of Africa than with Belarus.African leaders want a greater share of the wealth their resources generate.With sanctions increasing Moscow’s need for partners, can African governments turn that into bargaining power?Published On 4 Nov 20264 Nov 2026SaveSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylink