Putin: since 2023 Russia has opened eight new embassies in Africa, bringing the total to 48

Eight new embassies and a reciprocal expansion of African presence

At the third Russia–Africa summit, held in Moscow together with an economic and humanitarian forum, President Vladimir Putin stated that since the previous summit in 2023, eight new Russian embassies have begun operating in African countries, bringing their total number to 48. Anadolu reported this. He also noted that African countries are expanding their diplomatic presence in Russia and expressed support for the intentions of Botswana, the Seychelles and Togo to open embassies in Moscow in the near future.

Economic parameters: missions, fertilizers and the ruble

Beyond diplomacy, Putin cited figures on economic presence: the network of trade missions so far includes six offices, but their activities cover 16 African countries. Supplies of Russian mineral fertilizers to the continent, according to him, amounted to about 1.5 million tonnes last year and have already exceeded 2.2 million tonnes this year. The share of the ruble in Russian-African trade settlements, Putin said, has reached up to 85%, which, in his assessment, makes it possible to protect economic exchange from external influence. He also said that Russia is interested in relocating part of its production capacity to Africa, emphasizing that the decisions of African governments must remain sovereign.