The 2019 Russia–Africa Summit was the first event of its kind in the history of Russian-African relations. It was held from the 23rd to 24th October 2019, at the Sirius Park of Science and Art, one of Russia’s largest convention venues.
Co-chaired by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who doubles as the President of the Republic of Egypt, and the chairman of the African Union, the summit included discussions on potential ways of strengthening and expanding Russia’s relations and cooperations with Africa in various sectors, especially in political and socio-economic matters under the theme, ‘Uncovering the Potential for Cooperation’.
The summit had 36 African Heads of States as well as the leaders of regional associations and organisations present, including Uganda’s President, Yoweri Museveni.
According to a statement from Uganda’s Presidential Press Unit (PPU), Museveni who held a bilateral meeting with the host President, Vladimir Putin and different leaders of Russia and Africa hope to exploit partnerships in areas of space science and technology including with Gazprom, the general partner of the Innovation Space company, Aksioma.
He is also interested in tapping into modern agro production, including the use of technologies as well as partnerships with foreign companies to develop a vibrant agro-industrial sector.
Earlier this year, Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni pushed for space technology research with Russia after a meeting with delegates from the Russian-Uganda Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Science and Technical Cooperation in June.
President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, in a message, welcomed the heads of State and governments and other attendees to Russia, saying African countries are on their way to social, economic, scientific and technological development, and are playing a significant role in international affairs.
