Egypt’s Al-Sisi arrives for Russia-Africa Summit as Putin targets $50 bn trade

Moscow – Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi arrived in Moscow on Wednesday to lead his country’s delegation at the third Russia-Africa Summit, where Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined plans to double bilateral trade with the continent to $50 bn. Al-Sisi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Putin and deliver Egypt’s address during the summit’s plenary session on Thursday morning. The visit marks Al-Sisi’s third time participating in the gathering, having co-chaired the inaugural 2019 summit in Sochi during Egypt’s chairmanship of the African Union, and attended the 2023 summit in St. Petersburg. The current summit, which runs through October 29, opened with the Economic and Humanitarian Forum. Addressing African leaders, Putin detailed Moscow’s strategy to expand economic, technological, and agricultural ties while bypassing Western financial systems.

Russian-African trade turnover exceeded $27 bn last year, up from $18 bn in 2022. Putin stated that Moscow aims to double this figure to surpass $50 bn in the near future. Highlighting Russia’s role in food security, Putin noted that Moscow exported 13 m tonnes of agricultural products to the continent in the first nine months of 2026. Conversely, Russia imported approximately $4 bn in African agricultural goods this year, which covers 8% of its domestic needs. To facilitate commerce amid Western sanctions, Putin proposed developing alternative payment mechanisms using national currencies and existing pan-African payment systems to reduce reliance on Western financial networks. Moscow also offered to share digital technologies, including artificial intelligence models and cybersecurity platforms, alongside water management expertise. During the address, Putin referenced the 55th anniversary of Egypt’s…