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Ukraine Unveils First-Ever Strategy to Expand Influence Across Africa
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
Ukraine is developing its first comprehensive strategy to expand its presence and influence across Africa, according to a statement released by the office of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on March 25.
The initiative was discussed during an interagency coordination meeting chaired by Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office.
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The meeting brought together senior government officials, including the foreign minister, representatives of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Foreign Intelligence Service, military intelligence, and regional experts focused on Africa.
Participants reviewed the current state of Ukraine’s relations with African nations and outlined opportunities for expanding cooperation. Officials also identified priority countries across both North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa where Ukraine aims to strengthen its engagement.
Budanov emphasized that in previous years, Ukraine had not fully leveraged its expertise or resources to advance national interests on the African continent.
During the meeting, the Foreign Ministry presented its strategic vision for deepening ties with African states. Participants also discussed potential partnerships with international organizations and regional blocs, as well as financial instruments that could support Ukraine’s initiatives in the region.
“For the first time, Ukraine has set itself the goal of comprehensively influencing the situation on the African continent and defending Ukrainian interests in this part of the world. Ukraine must confirm its status as a competitive and influential geopolitical player, assert its agency globally, and advance its economic, security, and other interests anywhere on the planet,” Budanov said.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants approved a draft action plan to implement the strategy and recommended submitting it to the Cabinet of Ministers for further consideration.
If approved, relevant ministries and agencies will be tasked with executing the plan and ensuring its timely implementation.
Earlier, reports emerged that Ukraine and Ghana were working toward a bilateral defense agreement. Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said he hopes Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy and John Dramani Mahama will meet to finalize the cooperation as negotiations continue.
-111f0e5095e02c02446ffed57bfb0ab1.jpeg "Photo of Roman Kohanets")
