Moscow – Zimbabwean President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has arrived in Moscow ahead of the third Russia Africa Summit and Economic Forum, scheduled for 28 to 29 October, as African leaders prepare to discuss trade, investment, security and economic development with Russia.
Mnangagwa announced his arrival in a statement, saying Zimbabwe would use the high level gathering to pursue partnerships that support economic diversification, industrial growth and sustainable employment for young people.
“Over the next few days, we will engage in critical high-level discussions centered on our shared priorities under the theme “For Peace, Security, and Development.” Our participation focuses on securing tangible benefits for our nation driving economic diversification, boosting industrial trade, and creating sustainable jobs for our youth,” he said.
The Zimbabwean leader said his government was also seeking to accelerate cooperation in energy, food security, digital transformation and technology through partnerships based on mutual respect and shared economic benefits.
“Through mutual respect and win-win partnerships, we aim to accelerate growth in key sectors, including energy, food security, digital transformation, and technology,” Mnangagwa said.
Putin to co-chair summit session
The Moscow gathering is expected to bring together African heads of state, Russian officials and representatives of regional organisations to examine opportunities for closer economic and diplomatic cooperation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to co-chair a key plenary session on 29 October alongside Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who chairs the African Union.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova announced the programme on 21 October, saying preparations had entered their final phase and that most African delegations had confirmed their participation.
The agenda includes peaceful nuclear energy, food security, digitalisation, artificial intelligence and the development of independent payment systems. Discussions are also expected to cover trade, agriculture, industrial cooperation and investment.
Putin is expected to hold bilateral meetings with African leaders and engage representatives of regional organisations on the sidelines of the summit. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is also scheduled to host a working breakfast for African foreign ministers on 28 October.
According to Zakharova, invitations were extended to all African heads of state and leaders of regional organisations, with most delegations having confirmed attendance at the time of her announcement.
The summit comes as Moscow seeks to expand its economic and diplomatic relationships across Africa, with the meetings expected to produce intergovernmental agreements and commercial contracts.
Dispute over Western pressure
The preparations have also been accompanied by allegations from Russian officials that Western governments are attempting to discourage African countries from attending the summit.
Zakharova previously accused Western governments of pressuring African states to boycott the gathering, describing the alleged interference as a continuation of colonial era practices.
Lavrov also accused France of seeking to dissuade African leaders from participating and warned that French President Emmanuel Macron would use a planned visit to Africa to influence governments over their attendance.
On 19 October, Russian Foreign Ministry official Tatyana Dovgalenko alleged that Western countries were continuing to apply diplomatic pressure on African governments and had resorted to financial blackmail to discourage participation.
Previous Russia Africa summits
The third summit follows meetings held in Sochi in 2019 and St Petersburg in 2023.
The inaugural gathering in Sochi attracted official delegations from all 54 African countries, with 45 represented by their heads of state or government.
The second summit, held in St Petersburg in July 2023, attracted delegations from 48 African countries, with 27 represented by a head of state or the second highest ranking official.
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