Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday conveyed an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin to the leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to attend the third Russia-Africa Summit, scheduled to be held in Moscow in October.
Speaking during a meeting between Russia and the Confederation of Sahel States in Niamey, Lavrov personally delivered Putin’s message to the three African leaders as Moscow continues to strengthen political and economic ties with African nations ahead of the third Russia-Africa Summit.
The invitation comes as Russia accelerates preparations for the third Russia-Africa Summit, which is expected to bring together heads of state and senior officials from across the African continent. Russian officials have repeatedly described the gathering as one of Moscow’s most important foreign policy events of 2026.
Earlier this year, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Russia hopes that the majority of African leaders will personally participate in the summit.
“We hope that the majority of African leaders will be able to personally take part in this forum,” Lavrov said.
The summit is scheduled to take place in Moscow on October 28-29 and is expected to focus on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, security partnerships, energy, education, infrastructure and humanitarian partnerships between Russia and African countries. Russian officials have also indicated that a new cooperation plan covering 2027-2029 is expected to be approved during the event.
Lavrov arrived in Niger earlier on Wednesday to participate in the second ministerial meeting between Russia and the Confederation of Sahel States, an alliance comprising Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. The visit marks his first official trip to Niger and forms part of his broader diplomatic tour across Africa.
The Confederation of Sahel States has emerged as an increasingly significant regional bloc following its establishment by the military-led governments of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. The three countries have sought to deepen regional cooperation while expanding diplomatic, economic and security partnerships with countries including Russia.
Russia has steadily expanded its engagement with African nations through bilateral visits, ministerial consultations and economic initiatives. In recent months, Moscow has extended invitations to several African leaders to participate in the upcoming Russia-Africa Summit while emphasizing its commitment to strengthening long-term cooperation across the continent.
The October summit will be the third Russia-Africa Summit and is expected to build on previous meetings aimed at broadening Russia’s political, economic and strategic partnerships with African countries amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.
