Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the trade turnover between Russia and African countries increased by nearly 35% in the first half of 2023, despite facing international sanctions and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. During a trilateral meeting with African Union representatives, Putin highlighted the growth in trade and economic ties with Africa, citing last year’s mutual trade volume of around $18 billion. He also emphasized Russia’s role as a reliable supplier of food to Africa, with exports reaching $4.7 billion in 2022.

African leaders attended the summit in Russia as Putin sought alliances amid the ongoing military operation in Ukraine. However, some Western powers were accused by the Kremlin of pressuring other African heads of state not to attend. Despite the summit’s significance in strengthening ties with Africa’s 1.3 billion people, the issue between Russia and Ukraine was acknowledged by Comoros President Azali Assoumani, who emphasized the importance of considering the negative consequences globally, including in Africa.