Rwanda will be represented at the third Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow, according to Joseph Nzabamwita, Rwandan Ambassador to Russia. Speaking to Russian media, the ambassador confirmed that a commission for socio-economic and political cooperation is planned, with an ad hoc agreement expected to be signed during the summit on October 28–29.
Summit Overview
The third Russia–Africa Partnership Forum will take place in Moscow in late October 2026, following previous editions held in Sochi (2019) and Saint Petersburg (2023). The event is open to heads of state and African institutions and will feature:
- Plenary sessions attended by heads of delegations
- An official reception in the Kremlin
- An Economic and Humanitarian Forum with numerous panel discussions, thematic sessions, and exhibition events
- Multilateral and bilateral meetings on the sidelines, including at head-of-state and government level
- Signing ceremonies for a range of agreements and memoranda between Russia and its African partners
Invitations from the Russian President have been sent to leaders of all African countries, the African Union, regional organizations, and Africa’s leading financial and economic institutions. A large number of leaders are expected to attend, many of whom have already confirmed their participation.
Key Agenda Areas
Given the mutual interest in expanding economic cooperation, the summit agenda will focus on:
- Trade and industrial cooperation
- Investment and innovation
- Peaceful uses of nuclear energy
- Development of independent payment systems
- Food security
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Digitalization, including artificial intelligence
Following the meeting of heads of delegations, participants plan to adopt a political declaration and a new three-year Action Plan of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum for 2027–2029. Drafts of these documents, along with a declaration on cooperation in the civilian application of artificial intelligence technologies, have already been forwarded to partners for coordination.
Confirmed and Expected Attendees
Among those attending will be the leaders of:
- Mali
- Burkina Faso
- Niger
- Guinea-Bissau
- Burundi
- Ghana
- Mozambique
- Madagascar
- Zimbabwe
- South Sudan
- Sudan
Russia’s Diplomatic Stance
Although the practice of holding summits in a collective format emerged relatively recently in Russia–Africa relations, it has already taken root, become a recognizable “brand,” and developed into a significant factor in shaping a new and more equitable world order.
Africans appreciate Russia’s approach, which is based on:
- Respect for sovereignty and the right to independently choose development paths, governance methods, and partners
- Non-interference in internal affairs
- Rejection of external impositions of views and standards
- Rejection of neocolonial practices
For its part, Moscow values the determination of its African counterparts to decide their own future and their pragmatic approach centered on national interests. Russia offers its African partners unique expertise and technologies in areas where they are genuinely in demand and can be implemented with due regard for current resources.
Rwanda’s Role and Expectations
Rwanda is expected to be duly represented at the Moscow Summit and to make use of the opportunities it offers, including:
- Promoting its experience and solutions in various fields
- Strengthening its international standing as one of the leaders of African integration, technological development, and comprehensive socio-economic modernization
