Does Russia offer African countries an equal partnership?

Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, where he emphasized Russia's role as an equal and beneficial partner for African nations, particularly against Western influence. However, out of more than 50 sub-Saharan countries invited, only 22 leaders attended the two-day event, indicating limited engagement from many African states. During the summit, Ethiopia received 12 Su-35 fighter jets and plans to acquire four S-400 air defense batteries from Russia, a move seen as strengthening Moscow's presence in the Horn of Africa amid ongoing conflict with Tigray and tensions with Eritrea. Putin also criticized Western countries for focusing on exploitation rather than equitable partnerships, despite Russian companies offering what he claims are fair deals. Nonetheless, some analysts argue that these partnerships often benefit Russia more by securing economic and military interests across the continent.