Russia will host almost two dozen African leaders in Moscow on Wednesday and Thursday.

Moscow has courted ties with Africa since the Soviet era, and has long looked to the continent as a counterweight to what it sees as Western domination over international affairs.

"We are natural allies in building a multipolar world order," Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said of the summit, referring to a system where political power is no longer concentrated in the West but among multiple regions.

Delegations from 48 African countries are scheduled to take part and 22 will be represented by their leaders, Ushakov said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's criticism of what he calls "neocolonialism" on the continent has resonated with a number of African leaders, especially former French colonies in the Sahel.

Economic cooperation

Among the leaders Putin is scheduled to meet is his Malian counterpart Assimi Goita, whose government is cooperating with Russian mercenaries in the fight against terrorism.

There will also be plenary sessions where "all heads of delegations will have the opportunity to speak," Ushakov said.

Thirty-three documents will be signed at the summit, some of which will cover economic cooperation, according to the Kremlin.

Russia will also seek to strengthen its diplomatic presence in Africa.