MOSCOW
Russia has opened eight new embassies in African countries since the previous Russia-Africa summit in 2023, bringing the total number of Russian embassies on the continent to 48, President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.
Speaking at the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow, Putin noted that African countries were also expanding their diplomatic presence in Russia.
“I’d like to mention the systematic steps taken by the Russian side to expand its diplomatic presence on the continent. Since the previous summit in 2023, eight new Russian embassies have begun work in African states, and their total number has reached 48,” he said.
Putin also expressed support for plans by Botswana, Seychelles, and Togo to open embassies in Moscow.
“We also know of the intentions of Botswana, Seychelles, and Togo to open their embassies in Moscow in the near future and, naturally, we support this,” he said.
Beyond diplomatic ties, Putin highlighted efforts to expand Russia’s economic presence in Africa, including through a growing network of trade missions.
“So far, there are only six of them, but their activities cover 16 African countries,” he said.
The president also pointed to an increase in Russian mineral fertilizer supplies to the continent, which amounted to about 1.5 million tons last year and had already exceeded 2.2 million tons this year.
Turning to financial cooperation, Putin said the ruble’s share in Russian-African commercial transactions had reached up to 85%.
“The share of the ruble in Russian-African commercial transactions already stands at up to 85%. This makes it possible to protect our economic exchanges from external influence,” he said.
Putin also said Russia was interested in relocating certain production facilities to Africa amid external pressure, while emphasizing that decisions made by African governments must remain sovereign.
The third Russia-Africa summit and the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum are being held in Moscow.
