Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Dr Justin Nsengiyumva, has arrived in Moscow to represent President Paul Kagame at the third Russia–Africa Summit, where leaders are expected to explore new opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, energy and technology.
The Office of the Prime Minister announced on X that Nsengiyumva arrived in the Russian capital on the evening of October 27, 2026.
The summit, scheduled for October 28–29, will focus on expanding cooperation between Russia and African countries across sectors critical to economic growth and social development.
Discussions are expected to cover trade, investment, energy, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure and technology, alongside emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, nuclear technology, scientific research and workforce training.
Rwanda seeks to expand cooperation with Russia
Ahead of the summit, Rwanda’s ambassador to Russia, Maj Gen Joseph Nzabamwita, said Rwanda was keen to deepen cooperation with Moscow in agriculture, trade, investment, healthcare, education and technology.
The two countries are also preparing an agreement to establish a joint commission that would coordinate and promote cooperation in economic, social and political affairs.
Rwanda and Russia established diplomatic relations on October 17, 1963, when Rwanda and the former Soviet Union began formal diplomatic engagement.
Their cooperation has since covered education, training, security and culture. Russia also provides scholarships to Rwandans pursuing studies at its universities.
President Kagame and Russian President Vladimir Putin first met in Moscow in 2018 and held further talks in 2019 on the sidelines of the first Russia–Africa Summit.
The inaugural summit was held in Sochi on October 23–24, 2019, co-chaired by Putin and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who was then chairperson of the African Union.
Kagame attended the meeting, which sought to strengthen political and economic ties, expand trade and establish mechanisms for sustained dialogue between Russia and African countries.
During the summit, Rwanda and Russia signed agreements covering energy, social welfare and mineral extraction.
The second Russia–Africa Summit took place in St Petersburg on July 27–28, 2023. Rwanda’s delegation was led by Dr Manasseh Nshuti, who was then Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The two countries signed agreements on scientific cooperation and sports collaboration.
The summit also adopted documents outlining Russia–Africa cooperation priorities for 2023–2026, including measures focused on counterterrorism and information security.
Summit comes as Africa seeks new investment partners
The third summit comes as African countries seek to diversify their international partnerships in trade, energy, technology and investment.
For Rwanda, the meeting offers an opportunity to showcase investment prospects and explore ways to turn existing ties with Russia into practical economic benefits for both countries.
