Vladimir Putin urges African nations to tap into high-tech cross-border payment systems independent of Western rails - IOL
Speaking at the third Russia-Africa summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin invited African countries to join modern, sovereign payment systems such as A7, promising cut-off-proof settlements in digital and traditional currencies alongside ultra-low fees.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited African nations to connect to modern, high-tech international payment systems capable of operating independently of external restrictions.
The announcement was made during the third Russia-Africa summit, where Putin and visiting African leaders toured an exhibition showcasing advanced Russian technological solutions and were introduced to the international payment capabilities of A7.
Addressing delegates, Putin pointed out that cutting-edge settlement technologies now support seamless online transactions across both traditional and digital currencies, ensuring transparency, convenience, and compliance with international law.
“Digital currencies are developing both in the United States and in Russia as well. Why can't the African continent join this high-tech system?” Putin asked.
The Russian head of state underscored the sovereign and tamper-proof nature of the infrastructure presented, assuring African partners that the network is insulated from unilateral sanctions and external disruptions.
“No one will cut you off. With modern technology, it is impossible to block these payments. Simply impossible,” Putin said.
Highlighting the economic mechanics of the system, Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov discussed A7’s rollout across the continent, noting the competitive advantage in settlement speed and overhead costs.
“Payments are fast, just one click, and the fee is only 0.3% that is an extremely low transaction fee,” Siluanov said.
According to Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of the Russian Presidential Office, Russian banks—collaborating with foreign partners and non-bank financial institutions—are actively facilitating global trade settlements outside Western financial channels. Oreshkin reaffirmed Russia's commitment to sharing these alternative financial technologies with international partners.
A7, which is expanding its international payment infrastructure, established representative offices in Nigeria and Zimbabwe in 2025.
Founded in 2024 with the participation of PSB, the Russian international payments company operates infrastructure spanning more than 100 countries. It serves over 15,000 foreign trade businesses, with total processed transaction volumes exceeding 10 trillion rubles in 2025.
