Russia aims to double trade with Africa in 5 years — Putin

By AFP - Oct 23,2019 - Last updated at Oct 23,2019

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi meet with representatives of African regional organisations on the sidelines of the 2019 Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi, on Wednesday (AFP photo)

SOCHI, Russia — President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russia would aim to double trade with Africa over the next five years, at the opening of a summit aimed at reviving Moscow’s ties with the continent.

“We currently export to Africa $25 billion worth of food — which is more than we export in arms, at $15 billion. In the next four to five years, I think we should be able to double this trade, at least,” he told African leaders at the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

“In Africa, there are very many potential partners with good prospects.”

Putin said the current level of trade between Moscow and the continent was “not enough”.

“African countries are attracting ever more attention from Russian businesses,” the president added, highlighting a number of major Russian companies that were already working on the continent.

Dozens of African leaders are in Sochi for the first Russia-Africa Summit, as Moscow seeks greater influence on a continent where the West and China have a firm foothold.

The two-day event will see more than 3,000 delegates prepare deals and discuss topics from nuclear technology to mineral extraction.

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