Africa Day—May 25: New Perspectives for Russia and Africa -By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh

Russian President, Vladimir Putin, in an official message to African leaders, marking Africa Day—May 25, which serves as a symbol of victory over colonialism and their aspiration to freedom, peace and prosperity, indicated that Russia attaches great importance to strengthening the traditional ties of friendship with African countries.

“What unites us is the aspiration to build a multipolar world order with greater justice, and based on a genuine sense of equality, the rule of law and free from any forms of discrimination.” he stressed in the statement. Putin also underlined the fact the forthcoming third Africa-Africa Summit, scheduled for late October, would help to outline “new perspectives for promoting mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and its African partners across various domains.”

At the reception marking the Africa Day—May 25, Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov also reiterated the determination to further advance political dialogue and equally to enhance trade and economic cooperation, noting that trade turnover is growing rapidly and there is still a great deal more to do in this direction.

“We attach great importance to the concerted efforts , though often unheralded, they remain indispensable, to implement the agreements reached at the highest level of summits and those concluded the foreign ministerial level in Cairo, Egypt.”

While Moscow looks forward to welcoming African leaders to the summit, broad and intensive preparatory work is already underway on its agenda and practical outcomes, with the hope that a new three-year Action Plan (2026 to 2029), which will serve as a strategic roadmap for government, institutions, businesses, and public organisations in Russia and across Africa.