Russia has opened eight new embassies across Africa since 2023, bringing its total diplomatic missions on the continent to 48, President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday, as Moscow seeks to strengthen political and economic ties with African nations.
Addressing the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, Putin said the expansion reflected Russia’s efforts to deepen its engagement with the continent, alongside growing diplomatic interest from African governments.
He welcomed plans by Botswana, Seychelles and Togo to establish embassies in Moscow, describing the initiatives as a positive step towards strengthening bilateral relations.
The Russian president also outlined efforts to expand Moscow’s commercial presence in Africa through a network of trade missions.
Russia currently operates six trade missions whose activities extend across 16 African countries, Putin said, adding that Moscow intends to develop the network further.
Economic cooperation has become an increasingly important component of Russia’s engagement with Africa, particularly in agriculture, energy, mining and industrial development.
Putin said Russian mineral fertiliser exports to African countries reached approximately 1.5 million tonnes in 2025, while shipments in 2026 had already surpassed 2.2 million tonnes.
He also highlighted a significant shift towards the use of Russia’s national currency in trade with African partners, saying the ruble now accounts for as much as 85 percent of commercial transactions.
According to Putin, greater reliance on the ruble would help shield bilateral trade from external financial pressures and reduce dependence on Western-dominated payment systems.
The Russian leader further expressed Moscow’s interest in relocating certain industrial production facilities to African countries, presenting the initiative as an opportunity to expand manufacturing partnerships amid mounting external economic pressure.
He stressed, however, that decisions concerning industrial cooperation and investment must respect the sovereignty of African governments.
Russia has stepped up diplomatic and economic outreach to African countries in recent years, seeking to strengthen partnerships and expand its influence amid strained relations with Western powers.
The third Russia-Africa Summit, held alongside the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum in Moscow, brings together Russian and African officials to discuss trade, investment, security and broader political cooperation.
