Ukraine wants to establish a center in Africa to counter Russian disinformation

Ukraine, together with its partners, plans to establish a center in Africa to monitor Russian influence and counter disinformation. The Minister of Foreign Affairs announced this. Andrii Sybiha during the "Ukraine–Africa: Past, Present, and Future of Relations" forum, which took place on May 26 in Kyiv.

According to Sybiha, there is also talk of creating a regional cyber alliance together with European partners.

"We must cleanse the information space of the aggressor's manipulations," the Foreign Minister emphasized.

The minister also called on African countries to jointly counter Russian influence on the continent and highlighted the issue of Russia's illegal recruitment of Africans to participate in the war.

Sybiha added that Ukraine aims to expand its economic and diplomatic presence in Africa, particularly through the opening of new embassies and the development of cooperation in the fields of technology, cybersecurity, and the agricultural sector.

The Minister noted that Ukraine aims to increase trade with African countries and surpass the pre-war figure of $6.7 billion. Against this backdrop, an unprecedented diplomatic expansion is underway: eight new Ukrainian embassies have been opened in Africa in recent years, and the number of diplomatic missions has risen to 18.

Plans are in place to open an embassy in Zambia and a consulate general in Cape Town.

"Ukraine views Africa not as a recipient of aid, but as an equal and strong player in global politics. We are entering the continent as a provider and partner offering ready-made, high-tech solutions," the Foreign Minister noted.