Editor's note: Stephen Ndegwa, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is the Executive Director of South-South Dialogues, a Nairobi-based communications development think tank. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN. 

At the recently concluded second Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg, Russia has once again proved the new reality of the emergence of a multipolar world. The upbeat mood during the meeting between President Vladimir Putin and tens of Africa's presidents and heads of state was a strong statement that the two partners are not letting go, despite the West's negativity.

The screaming headlines by the Western-dominated international media about a low turnout by African leaders to the forum were aimed at misleading the world that Putin has lost friends as a result of the war with Ukraine. The media insinuated that Putin was the cause of grain shortage and high fuel prices afflicting Africa's economies. But nothing could be further from the truth as these negative outcomes are the result of volatile geopolitics.

The gloating was also aimed at diverting attention from the fact that the United States and its Western allies were complicit in disparaging Russia and dissuading African leaders from attending the summit. Before the event, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov blamed the West for the reduced number, saying there was "absolutely unconcealed brazen interference of the United States, France and other states."

According to analysts, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's diplomatic push to Africa in the last several months has put the two partners on the same page on many global issues. In addition, many African countries are currently undergoing serious socioeconomic challenges as a result of the worsening international situation, forcing some of the leaders to send high-level representatives as they remain to tackle the challenges at home.

On food security, Africa was at the right place at the right time. The continent needs millions of tons of grains which Russia can supply, particularly after the challenges of supplies from Ukraine due to the Black Sea grain deal fallout. According to a June 2023 report by the UN humanitarian agencies, climate change, wars, spiraling food prices and post-COVID-19 economic recession have left an estimated 60 million people in need of humanitarian aid in the Horn of Africa. During the summit, Putin promised to close the grain supply shortfall and even donate some to areas in dire need.

Africa's stand on the Russia-Ukraine war has largely been neutral amid Western pressure to condemn Moscow. But then again, the continent has no permanent voice at the United Nations Security Council, which leaves it vulnerable to the West's divide-and-rule tactics. The U.S. pressurized African countries to condemn Russia by voting in favor of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution ES‑11/4 in October 2022.

For the avoidance of doubt, leaders who did not turn up for the St. Petersburg forum have no kind words for the West either. Their voice is represented by leaders like Kenya's President William Ruto, who has in recent months lambasted the West for being a big player in Africa's woes, ranging from economic repression to climate change. In March, Ruto criticized the West for roping the world in certain conflicts but turned a blind eye when it comes to Africa's problems. The Kenya president also refused to condemn Russia for the war with Ukraine, noting that the conflict between the two countries is a global malaise.

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has also been vocal on the chasm of socioeconomic inequalities between the Global North and the Global South. Ramaphosa has condemned the West for fanning the Russia-Ukraine conflict and even led a delegation of seven African presidents to mediate between the warring countries. He has also demanded a new deal for the Global South from the West.

Indeed, the West has reason to get jittery as Africa keeps looking to the East. As China has successfully done in the last couple of decades, Russia can today offer almost everything that Africa needs for its development, and at cost-effective prices. This is a win-win situation among partners who share common interests and work towards the same goal.

Putin's meeting with African leaders set the stage for the forthcoming BRICS summit to be held in August in Johannesburg, South Africa. The latter agenda is expected to cover trade and investment facilitation, sustainable development, innovation and global governance reform, which are also some of the issues that concern Russia and Africa.

Many African countries have shown serious interest in joining the BRICS including Egypt, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Algeria, Nigeria, Sudan and Tunisia. Of major importance will be the conversation around the formation of a BRICS currency in order to avoid over-reliance on the dollar, and the admission of new members who are angling to get into the fold.

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