The message from Moscow is that Africa is becoming a stronger force in global affairs and should have greater control over its economic and technological future. The focus on energy and infrastructure reflected where Moscow said it could make a difference in Africa’s development challenges. Russia also promoted the idea of “African solutions to African problems”, saying conflicts in regions such as the Sahel, Sudan, South Sudan, Libya and the Great Lakes should be addressed through African-led approaches. Ambarov said Russia had opened embassies in Niger, Sierra Leone and South Sudan, with new missions expected in Gambia, Liberia, Togo and Comoros. The measure of the partnership will be whether the commitments translate into projects, investment and economic opportunities that African countries and citizens can see.