On Tuesday, May 26, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha took part in the forum “Ukraine - Africa: Past, Present, and Future of Relations,” held on the occasion of Africa Day at the Hennadii Udovenko Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine at the MFA.

The forum was also attended by Iryna Mudra, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine; Dmytro Usov, Secretary of the Coordinating Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War and Brigadier General; Mykola Trofymenko, Deputy Minister of Education and Science; Maryna Slobodnichenko, Deputy Minister of Health; Denys Bashlyk, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture; Nataliia Movshovych, Deputy Minister of Culture for European Integration; Oleksandr Karasevych, State Secretary of the MFA; as well as Hennadii Chyzhykov, President of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Diallo Issa Sadio, President of the NGO "African Council in Ukraine"; and representatives of the diplomatic corps.

Andrii Sybiha noted that Africa Day is a global symbol of victory over colonialism and the unity of the continent's peoples.

“For Ukraine, Africa Day holds a special meaning. Right now, we are fighting for our right to a free future against neo-colonial aggression. We understand the value of true sovereignty and justice like no one else,” the Minister emphasized, highlighting the importance of Africa's voice in peace efforts.

Andrii Sybiha called for a joint struggle against Russian influence and disinformation on the continent. As an example of a threat that directly impacts the safety of African citizens, the Minister cited the illegal recruitment of mercenaries, often through deceptive means.

“This practice must be stopped. It is about saving lives,” he added.

According to the Minister, the 21st century is, without exaggeration, the century of Africa, and anyone who continues to view the continent through outdated stereotypes is doomed to lose the future.

“Africa today means dynamism. It means over 4% annual economic growth. It possesses colossal natural resources necessary for the global technological transition. But most importantly, it is about human capital,” the Minister added, noting that Ukraine aims to be a reliable, predictable, and profitable partner during the times of the 'African Renaissance.'

The Head of the MFA remarked that President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy is open to meetings with African leaders and to dialogue with the African Union.

Touching upon the long-standing historical ties between Ukraine and the states of the continent, Andrii Sybiha recalled that a century ago, the government of the Ukrainian Directorate, led by Chief Otaman Symon Petliura, took the first step by initiating the establishment of relations with Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia).

He also emphasized that in the second half of the 20th century, it was Ukrainian engineers, builders, and scientists who laid the industrial and energy foundations for many African nations.

“Our shared heritage is set in concrete and metal across strategic facilities: from the Aswan High Dam in Egypt to the metallurgical giant in Ajaokuta, Nigeria, as well as facilities in Algeria, Morocco, Angola, and Mozambique,” the Head of the MFA added.

The Minister noted that Ukraine aims to increase trade turnover with African countries and exceed the pre-war figure of 6.7 billion dollars. In this context, an unprecedented diplomatic expansion is underway: 8 new embassies have been opened on the continent in recent years, increasing the total number of diplomatic missions to 18. Plans are also underway to open an embassy in Zambia and a consulate general in Cape Town.

“Ukraine views Africa not as an object of aid, but as an equal, strong subject of global politics. We are entering the continent as a 'provider' and partner of ready-made, high-tech solutions. Africa values strength, technology, and a real presence — and that is exactly what we intend to deliver. Mutual benefit must be at the center of our relations across all spheres,” the Head of the MFA remarked.

Andrii Sybiha outlined a clear strategic framework: "Ukraine — a Strategic Partner for Africa's Sustainable Development — 2063" (referencing the title of the African Union's strategic program), filled with concrete economic substance through the concept of "three pillars."

First. Ukraine is transforming its role from a mere exporter of grain into an architect and guarantor of food security. Ukraine is ready to share modern agricultural technologies, contribute to the modernization of port and railway infrastructure, and participate in building modern highways and sustainable energy supply systems.

Second. Ukraine possesses unique experience in countering modern threats, gained in real combat conditions, and is ready to share its expertise in utilizing and neutralizing drones, EW (electronic warfare) systems, and strengthening cybersecurity.

“Together with our partners, we are initiating the creation of a regional cyber alliance and, jointly with our European colleagues, a center for monitoring Russian influence and combating disinformation. We must cleanse the information space of the aggressor’s manipulations,” Andrii Sybiha stressed.

Third. Ukraine offers the export of ready-made solutions for the digitalization of public services based on the "Diia" platform and is purposefully consolidating Ukrainian universities to jointly train qualified personnel.

Andrii Sybiha pointed out that relying solely on the resources of others means becoming dependent. That is why the Ukrainian side is ready to make a tangible 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 enters 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 concluded.