Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that a new multipolar world order is taking shape, arguing that the era in which a small group of powerful nations dominated global decision-making is gradually coming to an end.
Putin made the remarks during the plenary session of the Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum in Moscow on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The event brought together African leaders, including Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama, to discuss economic cooperation, trade, energy, technology and sustainable development.
According to Putin, the emergence of a multipolar world reflects a significant and irreversible shift in international relations, with more countries seeking greater influence in global affairs.
“We are witnessing a Multipolar World truly becoming a reality, and this trend is objective and irreversible,” he said.
Putin Highlights BRICS Growth and Changing Global Economic Power
The Russian president said the forum’s emphasis on free and open dialogue demonstrated the need for a more inclusive international system in which all countries, regardless of their economic or political strength, could have their voices heard.
He pointed to the growing economic influence of the BRICS bloc, claiming that its member countries accounted for more than 40 per cent of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the past five years, compared with less than 30 per cent for the Group of Seven (G7).
Putin argued that this trend reflected a gradual shift in global economic power towards emerging markets and developing countries.
The BRICS bloc has become an important platform for countries seeking to strengthen economic partnerships, expand international trade and promote alternatives to traditional Western-dominated institutions.
Africa’s Growing Influence in Global Politics
Putin also highlighted Africa’s increasing role in international politics and the global economy, describing the continent as an emerging force with growing sovereignty and international influence.
He said African countries were becoming more determined to protect their national interests, control their development priorities and establish independent economic strategies.
“The continent is experiencing a new awakening: its sovereignty is growing stronger, and its influence and standing on the world stage are increasing,” Putin stated.
The Russian leader added that African nations should have greater freedom to determine their political and economic futures without undue external pressure.
His comments come as African countries continue to explore partnerships with international powers to attract investment, improve infrastructure, strengthen trade and accelerate economic development.
Putin Links Africa’s Debt Burden to Neo-Colonialism
Addressing Africa’s debt challenges, Putin quoted the late Burkina Faso president Thomas Sankara, who criticised international debt arrangements as a form of neo-colonialism.
Sankara argued that creditors could transform themselves into what he described as technical assistants while maintaining influence over indebted countries.
Putin said debt could become a tool for restricting Africa’s economic growth when financial relationships were shaped by unequal power structures and imperialist interests.
The issue of public debt remains a major concern for several African economies, including countries seeking to balance debt repayments with spending on infrastructure, healthcare, education and job creation.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of sustainable financing, economic independence and stronger domestic revenue mobilisation in promoting long-term development across the continent.
Russia Expands Agricultural Exports to Africa
On food security and agricultural cooperation, Putin said Russia remained a significant supplier of agricultural products to African countries.
He stated that more than 40 African countries received Russian grain and fertilisers, adding that Russia exported approximately 13 million tonnes of agricultural products to Africa during the first nine months of 2026.
Putin said Moscow was prepared to expand agricultural supplies to the continent as African governments seek to improve food availability, strengthen agricultural production and reduce vulnerabilities in international food supply chains.
Russia’s agricultural exports could support African countries in addressing food security concerns, although the impact will also depend on affordability, distribution networks and the ability of local farmers to access essential inputs.
Russia Offers Technology and Energy Cooperation
Putin also proposed greater cooperation between Russia and African countries in technology, digital innovation and energy development.
He said Russia was willing to share its technological expertise to help African nations improve their domestic capabilities and develop more resilient economies.
The Russian president placed particular emphasis on access to affordable and sustainable energy, describing energy cooperation as an important area for expanding economic opportunities across Africa.
He said Russia was interested in supporting the development of African domestic energy markets, including through technologies in which Russia has specialised expertise.
“Our shared interest lies in improving Africans’ access to affordable, sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sources and helping develop domestic energy markets in Africa, including in areas where Russia possesses unique technologies. This work is already under way,” he said.
Putin disclosed that more than 30 energy projects were being jointly implemented across 16 African countries.
The proposed cooperation could cover areas of energy production, infrastructure development and technology transfer as African nations seek to improve electricity access, support industrialisation and meet rising energy demand.
African Students Benefit From Russian Scholarships
Education was another major focus of Putin’s address, with the Russian president reporting an increase in the number of African students studying at Russian universities.
He said the number of African students in Russia had risen by 50 per cent since 2020, while the number of scholarships available to African students had almost tripled.
According to Putin, approximately 40,000 African students were enrolled at Russian universities.
He added that the scholarship quota for the 2026–2027 academic year had increased to 5,500 places, creating additional opportunities for African students to pursue higher education and professional training in Russia.
Educational partnerships, he said, could help strengthen relations between Russia and African countries while supporting skills development and knowledge exchange.
Russia Seeks Stronger Economic Relations With African Countries
Putin reaffirmed Russia’s interest in expanding trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation with all African countries.
The Russian president said closer relations could create opportunities in agriculture, energy, education, technology and other sectors while enabling both sides to pursue their development objectives.
The two-day Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, which concludes on Thursday, October 29, 2026, provides a platform for African and Russian officials to discuss trade, investment, peace and security, technological development and sustainable economic growth.
The discussions come amid wider efforts by African countries to diversify international partnerships, attract foreign investment and strengthen their positions in the changing global economic and political landscape.
For Ghana and other participating African nations, the forum offers an opportunity to explore potential partnerships that could support trade expansion, energy development, education and economic transformation.
Source: newsthemegh.com