Both countries rely on diplomatic missions, trade agreements and cooperation with African governments to advance their interests, although the number of embassies alone does not determine the extent of their influence.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on October 29, 2026, that Moscow had opened eight new embassies in Africa since the 2023 Russia-Africa summit, bringing the total number of Russian embassies on the continent to 48, according to his statement.

The announcement came as Russia hosted a gathering involving African countries, with discussions focused on political relations, economic cooperation and expanding bilateral ties.

The figure requires an important distinction. The number of Russian embassies reported by Putin should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that the United States also maintains 48 embassies in Africa.

Earlier US diplomatic information indicated that Washington had diplomatic relations with 48 countries in sub-Saharan Africa but maintained embassies in 43 of them.

Diplomatic relations, embassy locations and consular facilities are different measures, and the claim that both countries currently have 48 embassies across Africa has not been independently established here.

Moscow’s expansion nevertheless reflects its efforts to strengthen direct engagement with African governments. Embassies provide channels for high-level discussions, negotiations over trade and investment, security cooperation and coordination on international issues.

A larger diplomatic network can also help a government monitor developments more closely and maintain regular contact with political and economic institutions in host countries.

Economic ties are another important part of Russia’s approach. Reporting by Anadolu Agency, citing Russian government figures, put Russia-Africa trade at more than $27 billion in 2025, with agricultural products, grain and fertilisers among the areas of cooperation.

Moscow has sought to deepen these relationships as African countries pursue reliable supplies of food and agricultural inputs, while Russia looks for markets and partners for its exports.

The United States also maintains extensive diplomatic, commercial and security relationships across Africa. Its interests include cooperation against armed extremist groups, regional stability, investment, trade and strategic engagement with African governments.

The US Africa Command, known as AFRICOM, works with partner countries on security cooperation and efforts to address threats affecting the continent.

However, Washington’s influence cannot be measured by embassy numbers alone.

Military and security partnerships, development assistance, private investment, commercial ties and cooperation through international institutions all contribute to its relationships with African countries.

The relative importance of these factors varies from one country to another.

Changes in US diplomatic policy can also affect how services are delivered across the continent.

In July 2026, the US State Department announced that routine visa services at 25 embassies and consulates in Africa would be transferred to regional processing centres.

The department said the move did not mean those diplomatic facilities were closing. The distinction illustrates why adjustments to consular services should not automatically be interpreted as a withdrawal of diplomatic presence.

Africa’s importance to major powers extends beyond diplomatic representation.

The continent has substantial natural resources, growing consumer markets, strategically located ports and shipping routes, and considerable influence within the United Nations, where African states collectively account for a significant share of the membership.

These factors make relationships with African governments important to countries seeking economic opportunities and support for their positions on international issues.

Russia and the United States approach these relationships through different combinations of priorities.

Moscow has pursued cooperation in trade, agriculture, energy, security and political engagement, while Washington has emphasised security partnerships, economic relations and cooperation with governments across the continent.

Both seek diplomatic support on international questions, although African governments do not necessarily share the same positions or respond uniformly to either power.

African countries, meanwhile, have their own interests and strategic calculations. Many seek to diversify their partnerships to attract investment, obtain security assistance, expand access to markets and develop technological capabilities.

Cooperation with Russia does not automatically mean a country is distancing itself from the United States, just as close relations with Washington do not necessarily preclude agreements with Moscow.

An embassy is therefore more than a facility providing services to citizens. It is a platform for political engagement, negotiations, economic diplomacy and gathering information about developments in the host country.

Opening additional missions can give a government more opportunities to build relationships and pursue agreements, but diplomatic access does not guarantee political influence or favourable decisions.

The broader US-Russia competition in Africa will consequently depend on more than the number of flags flying outside embassy buildings.

Trade, investment, security cooperation, diplomatic credibility and the ability to respond to African countries’ priorities will all shape the relationships.

For African governments, the challenge is to use competing international interests to advance their own development and security objectives while preserving room for independent decision-making.

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