Putin courts Africa as Russia seeks allies and African nations diversify their partnerships

Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow this week, courting African nations as allies amid Moscow's international isolation from Western sanctions over its war in Ukraine. Delegations from 48 of Africa's 54 countries attended, with 22 heads of state present, up from 17 in 2023. Putin framed Russia as a non-exploitative partner, while analysts say African governments pursue "diversified non-alignment," maintaining ties with multiple partners to hedge against Western pressure and secure better offers. Russia's military footprint has expanded in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger through the Africa Corps, though trade remains modest at $27 billion in 2025, far below China's $348 billion and the EU's $395 billion with Africa. Ethiopia secured advanced Su-35 jets and S-400 systems, while Amnesty International documented alleged forced recruitment of Africans into Russia's military.