Russia’s limited economic offers to Africa: political and military support take center stage

Russia is offering African nations primarily political and military support rather than substantial economic incentives, as leaders gather in Moscow for the Russia-Africa Summit. Moscow's trade with Africa was about $28bn in 2025, far below China's $348bn and the EU's $395bn. The summit expects delegations from 48 countries, including 22 heads of state, down from 43 leaders in 2019. Military governments in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger seek Russian backing to remain in power, though Human Rights Watch has accused Africa Corps forces of killing civilians and torturing detainees. Russia's economic footprint includes a gold refinery in Mali, bauxite operations in Guinea, and uranium discussions in Niger. Analysts note that political incentives drive attendance, with Moscow leveraging its anti-colonial history, while some experts argue that survival support creates options rather than lasting loyalty among African governments.