Madagascar president attends Russia-Africa summit
The president of Madagascar's Republic Refoundation Party met Vladimir Putin at the second Russia-Africa summit in Moscow.
The president of the Republic Refoundation of Madagascar (PRRM) attended the third Russia-Africa summit in Moscow on October 29, 2026, meeting with Vladimir Putin. The summit saw 48 African delegations, 22 led by heads of state, a rise from 17 in 2023.
Analysts debated whether Africa is becoming a 'Russafrique' after 'Françafrique,' questioning if the continent is at the table or on the menu. Russia's trade with Africa grew from $18 billion in 2022 to over $27 billion in 2025, falling short of its goal to double exchanges to $40 billion. Russian arms imports to Africa decreased from 24% in 2019-2023 to 15% in 2021-2025.
Madagascar's military cooperation with Russia, initiated in 2018 and updated in 2022, reportedly scaled up after an unspecified rupture in October 2025. The summit's final declaration and an action plan for 2027-2029 were adopted, alongside a separate, non-binding action plan between the African Union Commission and Russia.
Why it mattersThe president of Madagascar's party attended a summit with Russian leadership, and military cooperation between Madagascar and Russia has reportedly increased.