Africa is confidently asserting itself as an independent center of power. We see that its influence within the United Nations is rapidly growing, and its own development strategies — ranging from the African Union’s Agenda 2063: "The Africa We Want" to various sub-regional initiatives — are gaining momentum. In this context, partnerships based not on empty promises, but on concrete projects that take into account the national priorities of the African states themselves, take on particular value.
This is precisely the approach that Russia offers and it fully resonates with the principle — "African solutions to African problems" — that forms the basis for a new security architecture and the official political philosophy of the continent. For this reason, rather than imposing ready-made models, Russia seeks to implement joint projects with its African partners that deliver tangible benefits in specific economic sectors and areas like education, science, culture, healthcare, and so on.
Historical Context: From Decolonization to Modern Partnership
Historically, Russia (including during the Soviet era) has consistently advocated for the liberation of peoples from colonial oppression. A pivotal moment was its support for the 1960 UN General Assembly Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. Today, this commitment continues through new formats, including technology transfers, professional training, and collaborative infrastructure and industrial projects.
For The Gambia and other nations across the continent, it has a particular significance: the partnership is structured around the objectives that the states themselves identify as priorities — whether in energy, food security, education, or the development of local businesses.
Russia–Africa Summits: From Declaration to Practice
The Russia – Africa Summits and the associated Economic and Humanitarian Forums have become the key mechanism for this cooperation.
At the First Summit, held in Sochi in 2019 under the theme "For Peace, Security, and Development," we agreed with African states to establish a multifaceted dialogue with the continent on an equal footing. The event resulted in practical agreements across a wide range of cooperation areas: from security and science to culture and the economy.
The Second Summit, held in St. Petersburg in 2023, confirmed the value of this approach, drawing delegations from 48 countries — including 27 represented by heads of state or high-ranking officials — as well as five of the continent’s major integration blocs. This is clear evidence that the partnership has begun to take shape around concrete needs and projects that deliver tangible benefits on the ground.
A new phase is now underway: the Third Summit, along with the Russia – Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, is currently taking place in Moscow. The program features approximately 40 plenary sessions, with topics developed in collaboration with African partners and focused on achieving practical results.
What this means for African nations — and for The Gambia in particular
The focus is on areas critical to the continent’s development:
Energy and infrastructure. Access to reliable energy is the foundation for growth. Key priorities include energy supply solutions — such as localized projects — as well as the construction of roads, ports, and logistics hubs. For The Gambia, for instance, this could translate into new opportunities to expand energy networks and reduce power outages.
Food security. This concerns the exchange of agricultural technologies and expertise in areas such as crop breeding, sustainable farming practices, and harvest storage. For many countries, this represents a direct contribution toward reducing reliance on imports and expanding domestic production.
Economy and trade. Increasing trade turnover, supporting local production, and creating conditions for the growth of African businesses and the creation of new jobs.
Education and science. Expanding scholarship programs, establishing joint research centers, and developing academic exchange and professional training initiatives tailored to the specific needs of national economies.
Technology and digitalization. Implementing practical solutions for public administration, healthcare, education, and agriculture — with a focus on adapting these tools to local conditions.
In addition to the business agenda, the Summit will feature a Media Forum —bringing together leaders from African media outlets — and a Youth Forum. These events serve to demonstrate what an equal partnership looks like: one that avoids imposing pre-packaged models, but instead fosters a willingness to share experience, technology, and resources.
Africa’s Voice in a Multipolar World
At the Gas Exporting Countries Forum Summit in Moscow on October 27, 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin described Africa as the "continent of the future". He placed special emphasis on the African youth — highlighting their energy, thirst for knowledge, and desire to improve their lives. According to him, this very force will serve as the primary engine of change.
In The Gambia, this potential is already being reflected in various technological initiatives. The country is developing digital projects tailored to local needs, such as mobile services for farmers, platforms for educational access, and solutions to streamline financial transactions. Young people are actively acquiring IT skills, participating in hackathons, and launching startups — thereby building local expertise and creating new employment opportunities.
We reasonably expect the Third Summit will serve as a platform for putting forward new ideas to foster direct engagement among representatives from the business, academic, scientific, and government sectors of Russia and African nations. This will enable the parties to agree on the implementation of concrete projects, sign formal agreements, and launch pilot initiatives in the coming months.
For African media, covering the summit offers a chance to highlight their own priorities and demonstrate how the decisions that shape the continent’s future are actually formulated.
Mikhail KORNEEV
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of The Gambia
