Ukraine is actively expanding its presence in African markets. To broaden export opportunities and strengthen its position, Ukrainian businesses have established the Ukrainian-African Business Council (UAfrica Business Council). This cross-sector platform is intended to become a driver of long-term economic partnership and systematic business integration in the region.
The inaugural meeting of the Council symbolically took place on May 25, Africa Day, at the Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine. The platform will operate as a joint space for business, government institutions, industry associations, and educational organizations.
Its key areas of focus include the development of trade and logistics routes, organization of business missions and B2B contacts, support for investment and infrastructure projects, as well as partnerships in education, science, and finance. The Council will combine economic and humanitarian cooperation—from agricultural supply projects and development of local agricultural infrastructure to training African specialists, as well as support for educational, medical, and social initiatives.
Ukraine already has concrete results of cooperation with African countries. In particular, in April 2026, within the humanitarian initiative of the President “Food from Ukraine,” the first Ukrainian agro-hub was launched in Ghana. The processing and distribution center is intended to strengthen food security, optimize logistics, and deepen economic ties with West African countries.
“The agro-hub in Ghana marked the beginning of a long-term strategy of Ukraine’s presence on the African continent. The state provided the initial impulse, and as we can see, business has actively picked up this direction. The creation of the UAfrica Business Council is a logical step in the development of our cooperation. The main task now is to translate political dialogue into real investments and build sustainable ties through joint production projects, logistics solutions, technological partnerships, and educational programs,” said Denys Bashlyk.
According to him, Africa today is one of the most dynamic regions in the world—a continent of rapid growth and huge potential for investment and mutually beneficial partnership. For Ukraine, it represents promising markets and strategic partners in shaping a new architecture of international economic cooperation. The key task now is to translate political dialogue into real investments and build sustainable connections through joint production projects, logistics solutions, technological partnerships, and educational programs.
A separate focus is support for Ukraine’s humanitarian and security initiatives. The Council will also facilitate the exchange of Ukrainian experience in resilience, recovery, and security sector reform.
Representatives of the Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education and Science, the banking sector, agricultural business, universities, and leading Ukrainian companies are involved in the platform’s work.
