Ukraine is stepping up its diplomatic and humanitarian engagement across Africa as it seeks to counter growing Russian influence and win support from non-aligned nations amid its ongoing war with Russia. Despite operating with limited resources, Kyiv has launched a targeted campaign involving the opening of embassies, food aid programs, and security cooperation initiatives in several African countries.
Since early 2024, Ukraine has opened eight new embassies across Africa, including its latest in Mauritania, bringing the total number of Ukrainian diplomatic missions on the continent to 18. This marks a significant increase from the 10 embassies Ukraine had before the Russian invasion in 2022. However, the country still lags behind Russia, which maintains a presence in approximately 40 African nations.
In tandem with diplomatic outreach, Ukraine has intensified its humanitarian aid through the “Grain from Ukraine” program, funded by the European Union and the United States. Nearly 300,000 tonnes of food aid have been delivered, helping to feed over eight million people in 12 African countries. Ukrainian officials report that the volume of grain exports to Africa doubled in 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching nearly 10 million tonnes.
Security cooperation has also become a cornerstone of Ukraine’s African strategy. In Mauritania, Ukrainian forces are involved in training local military personnel. This outreach is part of Kyiv’s broader attempt to frame its struggle against Russian aggression as a fight against imperialism, drawing parallels with Africa’s colonial past.
Despite these gains, Ukraine faces notable setbacks. A planned in-person Ukraine–Africa summit scheduled for October 2024 was downgraded to a video conference due to logistical challenges. Relations with Mali have been suspended following allegations—denied by Ukraine—that Ukrainian nationals were involved in a fatal attack against Russian-backed rebels.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has led several tours across Africa, positioning Kyiv as a partner that respects African sovereignty and offers genuine cooperation. However, observers note that Ukraine still lacks an embassy in Ethiopia, home to the African Union headquarters, which limits its ability to influence continental policy.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to hold a dominant position in Africa, backed by long-standing military ties, arms deals, and economic ventures, including mining and energy projects. The Kremlin also uses private military contractors to reinforce its influence in conflict zones across the Sahel and Central Africa.
Ukraine’s effort to build partnerships across Africa is part of a broader push to secure international support and reduce its diplomatic isolation outside the West. This strategy complements Kyiv’s ongoing negotiations for long-term security agreements with NATO and G7 countries.
Looking ahead, Ukraine plans to establish new embassies in additional African countries, including Sudan, where geopolitical competition with Russia remains intense. Ukrainian officials hope that continued grain aid, diplomatic visibility, and military cooperation will gradually shift African nations toward a more pro-Kyiv stance.
While challenges persist, Ukraine’s determined outreach marks a significant shift in its foreign policy priorities, showcasing a growing awareness of Africa’s strategic importance in shaping global alliances.