Russian President Vladimir Putin says Africa is capable of becoming one of the determinants of global politics and the world economy.
Putin said this in his address as co-chair of the Third Russia-Africa Summit on Wednesday in Moscow.
He described Africa as a region undergoing a new revival, with growing sovereignty, authority and stability.
“They strive to determine their path to development, yet seek to build a multipolar world because it is in opposition to countries that do not want to accept this new paradigm,” he said.
Putin criticised the sidelining of Africa, which he said had hindered the continent’s growth.
He said the continent’s economic structure was built during the colonial era “to transport rusty resources, rusty materials to other countries.”
“The situation is changing, thanks to the success of the African Federation.
“Products and work in the industry help to ensure economic independence. Russia is helping to improve the situation in Africa,” he said.
He said Russia had programmes with many African countries that enable it to finance development.
Putin called for reform of multilateral institutions to reflect the needs of developing countries, saying Russia plays a major role in global governance and decision-making in those bodies.
“Africa should be able to make decisions about resources they use. It must have a chance to accumulate capital and invest in energy, industry, transportation and logistics.
“This will help to completely repair the steps of the colonial relegation, ensure the social and economic endurance of Africa and ensure true sovereignty in all manifestations,” he said.
He said Russia had taken a similar path to strengthen its technological sovereignty, describing it as “our strategic advantage and choice.”
Putin said Russian-African relations had stood the test of time, adding that Russia would always support Africans’ struggle for freedom.
Burundi’s President and Chairperson of the African Union, Mr Évariste Ndayishimiye, who also co-chaired the summit, thanked Putin for organising it.
Ndayishimiye said the forum provides a platform for Africans and Russians to strengthen dialogue.
“This forum opens in a context in which economic uncertainties cease and in which commercial, financial, social and human problems require concrete answers.
“Against modern problems, no country, no continent can cope on its own. It is not our effort to overcome it.
“Therefore, we need to build more equal partners based on friendly respect, trust and convergence of our interests,” he said.
He said Africa was fully involved in shaping global economic direction, not as a source of raw materials or a market, but as a centre of production, transformation and innovation.
“Our natural resources, our potential market, our youth and our creativity create the engine for this transformation,” he said.
Ndayishimiye said African countries needed to combine their economic resources and manage their distribution so that they translate into wealth, while respecting citizens’ interests. (NAN)
