When African leaders gathered in Moscow on October 28 and 29 for the third Russia-Africa Summit, what mattered to many Africans was not necessarily the gathering but its outcome. With over two dozen African leaders and delegations from 48 countries attending the summit, the focus was on what they were actually taking home.

African experts argue that Russia has every right to claim a bigger role in the continent, but it’s also expected to produce measurable benefits for African economies and citizens.

George Nyongesa, a senior associate at the Africa Policy Institute in Nairobi, Kenya, says that the Russia-Africa relationship must go beyond diplomacy.

“There is no doubt that the Russia-Africa relationship is growing and will continue to do so. But what will endear the African people to Russia is if this relationship positively affects their lives by transforming the continent’s economies,” he states.

Nyongesa told RT that the seriousness of the Russia-Africa relationship can be measured by implementing the pledges made at summits. “Africa has long been treated to such summits by other regions, but most of the declarations just remain on paper. If Russia wants to win over Africa, it must ensure that any agreement made is followed by implementation,” he argues.

Nyongesa cited the $30 billion El-Dabaa nuclear energy project in Egypt, being constructed and financed by Russian state nuclear company Rosatom, as an example of tangible fruits that can help win African public support for Russia.

“The relationship Russia is presenting is what Africa needs”

Dr Samuel Tefera, an assistant professor at Addis Ababa University’s Asian and African Research Center, observed that African leaders must show their people the fruits of the relationship.

“The kind of relationship Russia is presenting is actually what Africa needs. The continent is looking for a mutual partnership that does not come with veiled threats, too many strings attached, or unreasonable........

© RT.com