Russia’s forces are on the ground in several African countries. Its businesses, far less so.

At a summit in Moscow, President Vladimir Putin pledged to nearly double trade to more than $50bn.

He accused the West of driving Africans into “debt bondage”, promising a fairer deal.

Grain, weapons, nuclear plants and factories — Moscow’s pitch is broad.

But previous trade ambitions remain unmet. Russia conducts less trade with all of Africa than with Belarus.

African leaders want a greater share of the wealth their resources generate.

With sanctions increasing Moscow’s need for partners, can African governments turn that into bargaining power?