The relations between independent Ukraine and the countries of Africa (in particular, the countries of the West African region), although they do not have a long history, but are characterized as stable and friendly.

One of the most important factors of Ukraine’s presence in Africa is the participation of Ukrainian military in UN peacekeeping operations. At that time, 108 UN peacekeepers from Ukraine (data of 2017) were part of the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), which was deployed from 2003 to 2018.

In 2010, the Ukrainian contingent from Liberia was sent to the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI), where it was tasked with appointments within the framework of the UN operation for 9 months.

The contribution of the Ukrainian troops in support of peace and stability in Liberia and the West African region as a whole was highly appreciated by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ellen Margrethe Løj praised the Ukrainian peacekeepers for working as “true ambassadors of peace”. Almost 40 Ukrainian helicopter pilots were awarded with the medals “In the Service of Peace”.

Nowadays, the cooperation with the West African countries, especially with Senegal, in the military-technical field remains one of the most promising. Ukraine is ready to offer Senegal and other countries in the region modern military systems for peacekeeping missions and the fight against terrorism.

According to the contract signed in 2015, in March 2017, the multiple rocket launcher “Grad” BM-21 on the basis of KrAZ trucks was delivered to Senegal.

The intensification of bilateral trade and economic relations with African countries is today one of the priority tasks for Ukraine. This is due to the need to diversify the Ukrainian market.

Noting the growth of commodity turnover in 2018 with such countries such as Senegal, Liberia and the Republic of the Congo, Ukraine continues to seek new opportunities for establishing strong, reliable and mutually beneficial relations with other African countries.

Currently, the main articles of Ukrainian exports to the West African countries are ferrous metals, cereals, vegetable oils.

Since February 2019, the Honorary Consulate of Ukraine operates in the capital of Liberia, Monrovia.