Russia is expanding its political and security influence in Africa, but its economic relationship with the continent remains far smaller than those of major competitors. At the latest Russia-Africa summit in Moscow, President Vladimir Putin pledged to more than double annual trade to over $50 billion. Yet bilateral trade was about $27 billion in 2025, short of Moscow’s 2019 target of $40 billion. It was also far below China’s $348 billion. Nevertheless, Moscow has gained strategic sway through modest, targeted commitments, especially security cooperation, arms, and regime protection in the Sahel and Central Africa. These arrangements, often paired with mineral access, can offer governments alternatives to Western partners. However, they do not necessarily improve civilian protection or stability. Russia also offers grain, fertilizer, and potential nuclear-energy projects, though financing and implementation remain obstacles.