Ukraine is increasing its diplomatic and economic presence in Africa and views the continent as an equal partner rather than an aid recipient, proposing cooperation in three areas: food security, defense technologies, and the digitalization of public services, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said.
“Ukraine sees Africa not as an object of assistance, but as an equal and strong actor in global politics. We are coming to the continent as a provider and partner of ready-made, high-tech solutions. Africa values strength, technology, and real presence — and this is exactly what we aim to provide. Mutual benefit must be at the center of our relations in all areas,” the foreign minister stated at the forum “Ukraine–Africa: Past, Present and Future of Relations” held Tuesday in Kyiv.
According to him, eight new embassies have been opened on the continent in recent years, bringing the total number of diplomatic missions to 18. Ukraine also plans to open an embassy in Zambia and a consulate general in Cape Town.
Sybiha also outlined a clear strategic framework titled “Ukraine — a Strategic Partner for Africa’s Sustainable Development 2063,” which is being filled with concrete economic substance through the concept of “three pillars.”
According to the Foreign Ministry press service, the first pillar is that Ukraine is transforming its role from simply being a grain exporter into becoming an architect and guarantor of food security. Ukraine is ready to share modern agricultural technologies and participate in the modernization of port and railway infrastructure, construction of modern highways, and sustainable energy systems.
Second, Ukraine possesses unique experience in countering modern threats gained in real combat conditions and is ready to share expertise on the use and neutralization of drones, electronic warfare systems, and strengthening cybersecurity.
“Together with our partners, we are initiating the creation of a regional cyber alliance and a joint center with European colleagues for monitoring Russian influence and combating disinformation. We must cleanse the information space of the aggressor’s manipulation,” Sybiha stressed.
Third, Ukraine is offering export-ready solutions for the digitalization of public services based on the Diia platform and is purposefully consolidating Ukrainian universities to jointly train specialists.
The foreign minister also noted that relying exclusively on the resources of others means becoming dependent. That is why Ukraine is ready to make a concrete contribution to strengthening the self-sufficiency of African states.
“Africa is not about charity or humanitarian subsidies. It is about strategic, mutually beneficial pragmatism among equals. Ukraine is entering this market as a strong, reliable, and high-tech partner. Together, we are capable of building an entirely new space for security and development,” he said.
