Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Uganda's Yoweri Museveni, Democratic Republic of the Congo's Félix Tshisekedi and Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi are among the African leaders expected in Moscow for the third Russia-Africa Summit, scheduled for October 28–29, 2026.
According to information published by Africa Intelligence on October 20, 2026, 17 African heads of state have confirmed their participation in the meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The summit aims to strengthen political, economic and security cooperation between Russia and African countries, as Moscow seeks to deepen its partnerships across the continent.
Other leaders on the list include President Ibrahim Traoré of the Transition of Burkina Faso; Assimi Goïta of the Malian transition; Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger; Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa; Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt; and Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal.
The list also includes President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno of Chad for whom a bilateral meeting is planned; Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed; Michael Randrianirina, leader of Madagascar’s transition; Paul Biya, President of Cameroon; and Faustin-Archange Touadéra, President of the Central African Republic.
Umaro Sissoco Embaló, the former president of Guinea-Bissau, was also included in the preliminary list provided, although his participation and current status require verification given the political developments in his country.
Economy, security and investment to dominate discussions
The summit is expected to focus on trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, security, healthcare, education and technology.
Russia is seeking to expand cooperation with African countries in several sectors, including mining, energy, military cooperation, training and technological development.
For African governments, the summit provides an opportunity to attract investment, develop infrastructure, expand export markets and strengthen cooperation on security and economic development.
The discussions are also expected to contribute to efforts to deepen the partnership between Russia and the African Union, including through future cooperation programmes.
Moscow seeks to strengthen its influence across Africa
The participation of several African leaders would provide Moscow with another opportunity to consolidate its diplomatic and economic relationships across the continent.
Russia already maintains military cooperation with several African countries, particularly in the Sahel region. Other countries are interested in partnerships involving energy, trade, education and investment.
The summit’s practical significance, however, will depend on the agreements reached, the projects announced and the commitments implemented after the meeting.