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Ukraine is positioning Africa as a strategic gateway to strengthen its European integration, a senior diplomat has said, as the war-torn country seeks new partnerships beyond traditional allies.
Liubov Abravitova, Director of the Department for Africa and Regional African Organisations at Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told Ukrinform that the continent offers Kyiv a path to deepen ties with the European Union through joint economic and security initiatives.
“The African direction is also important for Ukraine’s European integration,” Abravitova said, noting that the EU’s Global Gateway initiative alone plans to invest over EUR 150 billion in sustainable development projects across Africa this year.
“The EU is expanding cooperation with Africa through large-scale initiatives. For example, the Global Gateway initiative alone plans to invest more than EUR 150 billion in sustainable development projects in Africa this year.
“Ukraine can also integrate into these processes by offering its own experience, technologies, and innovations – from the agricultural sector to responses to crisis and security challenges.”
Ukraine approved its first Africa strategy in January 2022, just weeks before Russia’s full-scale invasion. A new framework covering 2027 and beyond is now being developed, Abravitova said.
Key priorities include strengthening Ukraine’s presence on the continent, building shared supply chains, promoting peace and security, and expanding humanitarian, cultural and educational projects.
