Ukrainian grain lifeline: Vital supplies reach Ethiopia, Somalia, Nigeria
According to Marianna Ward, deputy director of the World Food Program (WFP), grain from Ukraine's state warehouses has arrived in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Nigeria.
The Ukrainian government purchased this grain from producers and has handed over approximately 39,000 tonnes to the three African countries.
As part of the Grain from Ukraine program, Kyiv, along with the WFP, delivers grain to 15 countries, including several African nations: Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Sudan, Mauritania, and Nigeria. Recently, Tanzania and famine-threatened Zambia have been added to this list.
Ukrainian grain exports, especially wheat, constitute a significant portion of African imports. Before Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, over 50% of the wheat imported by 15 African countries came from these now-warring nations.
The transport of approximately 1,000 tonnes of grain from Ukraine, financed by France, also reached the Gaza Strip in July. Another 8,000 tonnes will be delivered to the Palestinians in the coming months.
