Ukraine plans to boost trade with African countries and open new diplomatic missions, foreign minister says
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has said Kyiv is expanding its diplomatic and economic presence in Africa and views the continent as an equal partner.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
Details: On Tuesday 26 May, Sybiha took part in the Ukraine-Africa: Past, Present and Future of Relations forum held at the Hennadii Udovenko Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine to mark Africa Day.
According to Sybiha, Ukraine aims to increase trade turnover with African countries and exceed the pre-war level of US$6.7 billion.
As part of this effort, Ukraine has carried out what Sybiha described as an unprecedented diplomatic expansion: eight new embassies have been opened across the continent in recent years, bringing the total number of Ukrainian diplomatic missions in Africa to 18.
Ukraine also plans to open an embassy in Zambia and a consulate general in Cape Town, he added.
Quote from Sybiha: "Ukraine views Africa not as an object of aid, but as an equal and strong player in global politics. We are coming to the continent as a provider of and partner in developing ready-made, high-tech solutions. Africa values strength, technology and a tangible presence – and this is exactly what we intend to provide. Mutual benefit must be at the centre of our relations in all areas."
Details: The foreign minister also outlined three key areas for the development of relations between Ukraine and Africa.
First, Ukraine is seeking to transform its role from merely a grain exporter into an architect and guarantor of food security. Kyiv is willing to share modern agricultural technologies and contribute to the modernisation of port and railway infrastructure, the building of roads and sustainable energy systems.
Second, Ukraine has unique experience in countering modern threats, gained under real combat conditions, and is willing to share expertise in the use and interception of drones, electronic warfare systems and cybersecurity enhancement.
Third, Ukraine is offering ready-made digital governance solutions based on Diia, the government's digital services app, and is bringing Ukrainian universities together to jointly train personnel.
"Working alongside our partners, we are initiating the establishment of a regional cyber alliance and, jointly with our European colleagues, a centre for monitoring Russian influence and combating disinformation. We must cleanse the information ecosystem of the aggressor's manipulation," Sybiha added.
Background: In March 2026, Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, said Ukraine is seeking to comprehensively influence developments on the African continent and to protect Ukrainian interests there.
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