MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. African nations are looking to Russia for assistance in developing their industrial, agricultural, energy, and transport infrastructure sectors, Central African Republic (CAR) President Faustin-Archange Touadera announced at the plenary session of the third Russia-Africa summit.

"We wish to develop cooperation with Russia in a variety of areas," he said. In particular, the CAR President pointed to agriculture, the extraction and processing of mineral resources--including copper and uranium--solar and general energy development, and the creation of transport corridors to provide access to seaports. He also underscored the importance of digital cooperation and technology transfer.

According to Touadera, African states intend to move away from an economic model where the continent serves primarily as a raw material supplier, while processing and value-added production take place abroad. In this regard, he called for developing local manufacturing, attracting investment, training specialists, and expanding international market access for African products.

The CAR President also thanked Russia for its security assistance.

"Your support in technology and the assistance provided to our national armed forces enabled us to achieve stability and peacefully hold elections in December 2025," he noted, adding that the focus must now shift toward economic development. "The time has come to translate the peace achieved into concrete projects."

He expressed confidence that the summit should serve as a starting point for concrete initiatives, including the construction of industrial facilities, roads, schools, and hospitals. Such cooperation, he emphasized, must be based on respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, equality, and transparency.

Touadera also noted Russia’s support for the African position on reforming international institutions to ensure broader representation for the continent.