The 2026 Russia-Africa Summit that took place this week brought together leaders and representatives from across the continent to discuss cooperation in areas ranging from trade and investment to energy, security and technology.
Held in Moscow on October 28 and 29, the third edition of the summit brought together representatives from 48 African countries, including 22 heads of state.
Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva attended on behalf of President Paul Kagame and led Rwanda's delegation.
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The summit was co-chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Burundi's President Évariste Ndayishimiye under the theme, "For Peace, Security and Development.”
Here are some of the major highlights:
1. Nuclear energy remains a key area of cooperation with Russia
In an interview on the sidelines of the forum, foreign affairs minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said Rwanda wanted to deepen cooperation with Russia in nuclear science and technology as it works to diversify its energy sources and strengthen its industrial and healthcare sectors.
Rwanda and Russia signed an agreement in 2019 to establish a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology in Rwanda. The centre is under construction and is expected to support applications in industry, agriculture, research and healthcare.
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He said Russia's experience in nuclear technology could help Rwanda develop the centre and explore the potential of small modular reactors (SMRs).
"Energy security involves nuclear energy,” he said.
Nduhungirehe added that cooperation in this area should contribute to Rwanda's industrialisation and benefit different sectors of the economy.
2. Fertiliser production, mining investments in the spotlight
In the interview, Nduhungirehe also pointed out that Rwanda was looking to attract Russian investment in fertiliser production, mineral processing and other sectors.
Speaking to RT International, the diplomat noted that Rwanda wants to produce more of the agricultural inputs it needs locally, including fertilisers, to strengthen domestic production and reduce reliance on imports.
He said Russian companies could help establish local production capacity, potentially reducing the country's exposure to external supply disruptions and price fluctuations.
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Mining was another area he identified as offering investment opportunities. He noted that Rwanda has mineral resources and that Russian investors were already operating in the sector.
Nduhungirehe said Rwanda wanted to move beyond exporting raw materials and importing finished products by developing industries that process resources locally and create more value.
3. Rwanda asks African countries to remove trade barriers
Rwandan representatives attended the Russia-Africa Youth Forum at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) where Prime Minister Nsengiyumva called for the removal of trade and movement barriers among African countries.
He said closer cooperation would allow young people to move more freely, exchange ideas, start businesses and contribute to the continent’s economic growth.
He added that Rwanda was working to strengthen its connections to regional and international markets, adding that greater cooperation among African countries was necessary to expand economic opportunities for the continent’s young population.
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4. Three-year cooperation plan adopted
One of the summit's key outcomes was the adoption of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum Action Plan for 2027–2029.
The plan provides a framework for cooperation over the next three years in areas including trade, investment, energy, agriculture, education, healthcare, technology and security.
It is intended to guide cooperation between Russia and African countries during the period, setting out areas of shared interest and priorities for engagement.
5. Joint declaration calls for greater African representation in global institutions
The summit also adopted a joint declaration calling for reforms to major global institutions, including the United Nations Security Council, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, to give African countries greater representation and influence in global decision-making.
On the UN Security Council, Russia and African countries agreed to work towards greater African representation, in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration (agreements setting out Africa's common position that the continent should have at least two permanent and five non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council).
6. PM calls for neutralisation of the FDLR
Nsengiyumva addressed the Russia-Africa Summit at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow on Thursday, October 29, where he called for the neutralisation of the FDLR, a Kinshasa-backed genocidal militia.
Nsengiyumva said FDLR’s continued presence and support from the Congolese government remain a major threat to Rwanda’s security and an obstacle to lasting peace in the region.
He said addressing the threat posed by the FDLR, as provided for under the Washington Accords, was important for regional peace and security.
He also called for an end to hate speech and the persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in eastern DR Congo, saying the political causes of the conflict needed to be addressed to achieve lasting peace.
7. Artificial intelligence added to cooperation agenda
Russia and African countries also adopted a separate declaration on cooperation in the civilian use of artificial intelligence (AI).
The declaration sets out areas for cooperation in AI, adding to broader commitments on science, technology and innovation.
The summit's joint declaration also identifies digital technologies, scientific research and space technology as areas for expanded cooperation.