Putin Offers Free Grain and Commits to Establish Logistics Centre in Africa  

Russian President Vladimir Putin has made several notable commitments during his speech at the Russia-Africa Summit including offering free grain to six African countries.

While addressing the plenary session of the Russia-Africa Summit in Saint Petersburg, Russia on Thursday, Putin committed to establishing a logistics centre in an African country, opening universities in Africa and enhancing cooperation in digital security and artificial intelligence.

He further committed to initiating energy projects in 30 African countries, sharing integration experience with African partners, and increasing the number of trade missions in Africa.

“As before, Russia is ready to help strengthen African countries’ sovereignty and contribute to Africa becoming a key partner in the new system of the multipolar world order,” he said.

He added: “Africa’s potential is evident to everyone. Russia is sincerely interested in further deepening our multifaceted ties.”

Grain for African countries  

Putin promised to send grain to six African countries a week after Russia refused to extend a deal under which Ukrainian grain exports passed through the Black Sea to reach global markets, including Africa, easing pressure on food prices.

“In the coming months we will be able to ensure free supplies of 25,000 to 50,000 tonnes of grain to Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Central African Republic and Eritrea,” Putin noted.

Over a year, the grain deal allowed around 33 million tonnes of grain to leave Ukrainian ports, helping to stabilise global food prices and avert shortages, AFP reported.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pressed African leaders attending the summit to demand answers about the grain disruptions that have propelled poorer nations towards crisis.

“They know exactly who’s to blame for this current situation. My expectation would be that Russia will hear this clearly from our African partners,” Blinken said Thursday during a visit to New Zealand.

Seventeen African leaders including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa are attending the Russia-Africa summit taking place on Thursday and Friday.

On Friday, Putin is set to discuss Ukraine during a working lunch with a group of African heads of state, according to the Kremlin.

Since the start of the Ukraine offensive, Russia has sought to strengthen diplomatic and security ties with Africa.

Additional reporting by AFP