President Yoweri Museveni has left for the Russian Coastal city of Sochi where he is to meet other African leaders for Russia -Africa Summit aimed opening up new opportunities to overcome challenges facing the continent that has most its resources still unexploited but also characterised by high rates of corruption, leaving masses in abject poverty.
The first ever Russia African summit kicks off tomorrow Wednesday with Moscow seeking to have influence on the continent where china and the west have a great influence in as far as investment is concerned.
Accompanied by his daughter Patience Museveni, the president was seen off at Entebbe International Airport by Minister for Presidency, Esther Mbayo, Head of Civil Service John Mitala, Commander Air Force Major General James Lutaaya and Commissioner for Prisons, Johnson Byabasheija.
As African Union’s strategic framework Agenda 2063 highlights the importance of preserving African values and Pan-Africanism, the discussion by participants will outline the most pressing issues that dictate the future of Africa and discuss possible solutions.
In addition, another important topic in the session participants’ speeches will be Russian assistance to African countries in drafting a development strategy, including in matters concerning the preservation of sovereignty and the right to take independent decisions.
One of the sessions of the Russia–Africa Economic Forum’s business programme will focus on ways for Russia and African countries to develop cooperation in the energy sector. Participants will discuss how to utilize international partnerships to create a competitive landscape and increase efficiency as well as how the ‘green agenda’ will impact the development and diversification of investors as a guarantee for ongoing development.
In the process of strengthening economic ties, Russia and other partners must take into account the whole range of new trends in African development.
Business opportunities in Africa will be the front and centre at the upcoming Economic Forum. The event will include a plenary session, a series of round tables and panel discussions, and the organization of a major venue for business meetings.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has said his country can help Africa tackle its challenges without the conditions attached by Western powers.
“We see how an array of Western countries are resorting to pressure, intimidation and blackmail of sovereign African governments,” Mr Putin said in an interview with Tass news agency, ahead of a summit with African leaders.
“They are using such methods to try to return lost influence and dominance in their former colonies in a new guise and rushing to pump out maximum profits and to exploit the continent,” he said.
Russia is expecting to host 47 African leaders at the 23-24 October summit in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.
Mr Putin said relations with Africa had improved, pointing to military cooperation agreements that Russia currently has with more than 30 African countries which it supplies arms to.
Rwanda is among countries that have deepened relations with Russia.
The technology will be used in the agriculture, energy production and environment protection, the report says.
