Putin extends Russia's Africa infectious disease aid program to 2029

Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended Russia's program of assistance to Africa in combating infectious diseases until 2029, including plans for joint exercises on responding to disease outbreaks. At the first plenary session of the Russia-Africa summit, Putin stated that Russian and African positions on key global issues largely align, and Moscow supports equal dialogue and strengthening Africa's role in multilateral platforms. Trade between Russia and Africa exceeded $27 billion in 2025, up from $18 billion in 2022, with Putin projecting it could soon surpass $50 billion. He emphasized Russian businesses contribute to local development rather than neocolonial exploitation.