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Putin Touts Russia as Africa’s Best Partner, Supplies 13M Tonnes

By Drooid · Oct 29, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

President Vladimir Putin told African leaders Russia is their best partner at the third Russia-Africa Summit.
Putin accused Western countries of exploiting Africa’s resources and using debt to hinder development.
He said Russia avoids neo-colonial exploitation.
He said Russia expands local raw-material processing and creates jobs and tax revenue.
Putin announced Russia supplied 13 million metric tonnes of agricultural products to Africa in early 2026.

History

After Portugal’s 1974 collapse, Angola declared independence in November 1975, prompting the Soviet Union to send advisors and massive aid—later amounting to US$2 billion in 1984—to back the MPLA against South African and U.S.-supported rivals, while Cuba supplied troops. Soviet leader Brezhnev framed the support as anti-imperialist, a narrative President Putin echoed at the 2024 Russia-Africa Summit.

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After Portugal’s 1974 collapse, Angola declared independence in November 1975, prompting the Soviet Union to send advisors and massive aid—later amounting to US$2 billion in 1984—to back the MPLA against South African and U.S.-supported rivals, while Cuba supplied troops. Soviet leader Brezhnev framed the support as anti-imperialist, a narrative President Putin echoed at the 2024 Russia-Africa Summit.

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