Sources say more than 50 African leaders have been invited to take part in the f Summit, which will be co-chaired by Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, President of Egypt (who also chairs the African Union).

The event aims to spotlight “the expansion of the political, economic, technical and cultural cooperation” between Africa and Russia, organisers say.

The Russian government boasts that the October 24 summit “is the first event of this level in the history of Russian-African relations, with the heads of all states of the African continent invited, as well as leaders of major sub regional associations and organisations.”

On October 23, Sochi will also host an economic forum attended by major African and Russian leaders, and representatives of major businesses. Trade, economic and investment agreements are “expected to be signed”.

About 3,000 African businesspersons are expected to attend this event.