Ukraine is actively increasing its presence in the markets of the African continent. In order to expand export opportunities and strengthen its positions, domestic business has established the Ukrainian-African Business Council (UAfrica Business Council). This cross-sectoral platform is designed to become a driver of long-term economic partnership and systemic integration of business in the region.
The inaugural meeting of the Council was symbolically held on May 25, on Africa Day, at the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture. The platform will act as a common space for business, government agencies, industry associations and educational institutions. Among the key areas are the development of trade and logistics routes, the organization of business missions and B2B contacts, support for investment and infrastructure projects, as well as partnerships in the fields of education, science and finance. The Council will combine economic and humanitarian partnerships – from the implementation of projects for the supply of agricultural products and the development of local agricultural infrastructure to the training of African specialists, as well as support for educational, medical and social initiatives.
Ukraine already has concrete results of interaction with African countries. In particular, in April, within the framework of the humanitarian initiative of the President “Food from Ukraine” in Ghana, the first Ukrainian agrohub was launched. The center for processing and distribution of products is designed to strengthen food security, optimize logistics and deepen economic ties with West African countries.
“The agrohub in Ghana was the beginning of a long-term strategy for Ukraine’s presence on the African continent. The state gave impetus, and, as we see, business actively picked up this vector. The creation of the UAfrica Business Council is a logical stage in the development of our cooperation. The main task now is to translate the political dialogue into the plane of real investments and build sustainable ties through joint production projects, logistics solutions, technological partnerships and educational programs,” emphasized the Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine Denys Bashlyk.
According to him, today Africa is one of the most dynamic regions in the world – a continent of rapid growth and huge potential for investments and mutually beneficial partnerships. For Ukraine, these are promising sales markets and strategic partners in shaping a new architecture of international economic cooperation. The main task now is to translate the political dialogue into the plane of real investments and build sustainable ties through joint production projects, logistics solutions, technological partnerships and educational programs.
A separate focus is on supporting Ukraine’s humanitarian and security initiatives. The Council will also facilitate the exchange of Ukrainian experience in the field of resilience, recovery and reform of the security sector.
Representatives of the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education and Science, the banking sector, agribusiness, universities, and leading Ukrainian companies are involved in the work of the platform. (Economy Ministry)