Addis Ababa, October 27, 2026 (FMC) – Russia has expressed readiness to share its technological and economic development experience with African countries, emphasizing stronger domestic capacities, technology transfer and strategic partnerships as essential to the continent’s economic independence ahead of the Third Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow.
Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Russian Presidential Executive Office, said Africa’s long-term development requires the ability to make independent decisions and build capacity across strategic sectors, including energy, transport, logistics, healthcare, agriculture and advanced technologies.
Speaking ahead of the summit, scheduled for October 28–29, Oreshkin underscored the importance of cooperation that enables African countries to strengthen their productive capabilities, develop local expertise and reduce dependence on external suppliers in critical sectors.
He said Russia was prepared to share lessons from its own experience in developing technological capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign technologies, highlighting investment in human capital, domestic innovation and the development of national solutions as important elements of that process.
Oreshkin also pointed to Africa’s demographic growth and expanding young population as reasons to prioritize technological knowledge and skills development. Equipping young Africans with the expertise required by emerging industries, he indicated, would be critical to the continent’s ability to shape its economic future.
Energy infrastructure and agricultural modernization are among the areas where closer cooperation could help address development constraints. Expanding energy capacity, improving agricultural productivity and strengthening transport and logistics systems would support domestic production, trade and broader economic transformation.
Such efforts, he stressed, also require access to financing, knowledge and technologies that enable countries to implement development strategies suited to their own needs and priorities.
Digital development is another important area of opportunity. Oreshkin highlighted the need for African governments to strengthen their digital ecosystems and use technology to expand economic activity, improve services and create new opportunities for businesses and young people.
On economic resilience, he pointed to Russia’s experience of responding to extensive international sanctions through domestic solutions and trade partnerships. He presented this experience as a potential source of lessons for African countries seeking to strengthen their economic capacity and withstand external pressures.
Oreshkin also highlighted existing trade between Russia and African countries, citing Russian imports from the continent as an area with potential for further expansion. Stronger commercial links, agricultural cooperation and investment partnerships could create opportunities for African producers while broadening economic ties between the two sides.
The Third Russia–Africa Summit and the accompanying Economic and Humanitarian Forum will bring together African leaders and representatives of governments, businesses and other institutions to discuss the future of relations between Russia and African countries.
According to the summit’s published programme, discussions will cover trade, investment, energy and food security, technology transfer, digitalization, healthcare, education and scientific cooperation. The forum is also expected to address human capital development and technological innovation as components of sustainable economic development.
The summit’s broader agenda places sovereignty and sustainable development alongside economic cooperation and technological innovation, reflecting the range of issues shaping engagement between Russia and African countries.
For African nations, the central development challenge remains translating international partnerships into stronger domestic production, skills, infrastructure and technological capabilities. Cooperation that expands these foundations could help countries increase their competitiveness, diversify their economies and advance the objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Oreshkin said Russia was ready to share its experience and work with African partners as they pursue these long-term development ambitions.
Reporter: Ashebir Kassahun