Gibson Mhaka in Moscow, Russia
ENERGY security, artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation and agriculture are expected to dominate deliberations at the 3rd Russia-Africa Summit and Economic and Humanitarian Forum, which kicks off here today, with Russia and African countries seeking to translate longstanding political ties into practical economic partnerships.
The two-day summit brings together African leaders, senior government officials, business executives, academics and other stakeholders to explore opportunities for expanding trade, attracting investment and strengthening cooperation in strategic sectors.
President Mnangagwa is among the African leaders attending the gathering, which offers Zimbabwe an opportunity to consolidate its historic relationship with Moscow while pursuing investment and development partnerships in key sectors.
Speaking during the Russia-Africa Summit Media Forum at the International Press Centre, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ms Maria Zakharova said more than 30 African countries had confirmed participation, demonstrating continued interest in strengthening relations with Moscow.
She said energy security, digitalisation and A.I. would feature prominently in discussions involving
more than 2 500 participants, with the summit chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“The main attention will be on energy security, digital and AI. We’re expecting more than 2 500 participants, with the Kremlin summit chaired by President Putin,” said Ms Zakharova.
The focus on these areas comes as African countries seek reliable energy supplies, modern technologies and investment to accelerate industrialisation, strengthen domestic production and create employment.
Agriculture is also expected to feature prominently as governments pursue food security through improved farming technologies, agricultural mechanisation, fertiliser supplies and investment in production systems.
Ms Zakharova said Russia remained committed to working with African countries to address development challenges, highlighting historical ties, educational cooperation and diplomatic engagement as important pillars of the relationship.
“Russia stands with African states to eliminate several challenges,” she said, adding that Moscow had supported African countries during their struggles for independence and helped train professionals.
She said approximately 40 000 African students were currently studying in Russia, reflecting the continuing importance of educational exchanges and skills development in relations between the two sides.
Ms Zakharova also highlighted Russia’s diplomatic presence across the continent, saying Moscow maintained 40 embassies in Africa and had 22 active bilateral intergovernmental mechanisms.
“Russia maintains diplomacy with all African countries, currently with 40 embassies in Africa.
Twenty-two bilateral relations at government level are active; this is important as we respect government-to-government relations,” she said.
On broader international cooperation, she pointed to the growing standing of emerging economic groupings such as BRICS, which Russia regards as an important platform for cooperation among developing and emerging economies.
“At first, BRICS looked like a new organisation, but it has since gained authority,” Ms Zakharova said.
She said previous Russia-Africa summits had helped strengthen relations, while the Moscow gathering would place greater emphasis on practical solutions and implementation.
“Previous summits marked a key stage in the strengthening of Russia’s relations with the countries of Africa,” she said.
“This year’s gathering will focus not only on reaching agreements, but also on adopting practical solutions.”
The emphasis on tangible outcomes comes as African governments seek investment, technology transfer and industrial partnerships capable of supporting economic transformation, expanding markets and strengthening domestic productive capacity.
For Zimbabwe, the summit presents opportunities to deepen cooperation with Russia in agriculture, mining, energy, infrastructure and manufacturing.
The two countries celebrated 45 years of diplomatic relations in February this year, providing a foundation for expanding commercial ties and identifying projects that deliver mutual economic benefits.
Bilateral trade was estimated at approximately US$80 million in 2025, with potential for growth in agricultural exports, geological exploration, fertiliser supplies, agricultural mechanisation and mineral beneficiation.
Russian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Sergei Berdnikov recently told Zimpapers that relations between the two countries were increasingly shifting towards practical economic cooperation.
“We’re seeing a trend towards bringing Russian-Zimbabwean relations to a new level of practical cooperation,” he said.
“While our bilateral political ties have historically been robust, both Governments are actively focused on expanding investment and financial mechanisms to match that political goodwill with concrete economic outcomes,” he added.
For Harare, the priority will be to secure partnerships that support local production, value addition, technology transfer and skills development, particularly in agriculture and mining.
The summit follows the inaugural Russia-Africa gathering in Sochi in 2019 and the second summit in St Petersburg in 2023.
The Moscow meeting is expected to build on those engagements, with attention turning to investment opportunities, economic agreements and practical initiatives that can strengthen cooperation.
