Ukrainian presidential office chief introduces new ambassadors of Grain from Ukraine initiative in Africa

MOSCOW. Jan 20 (Interfax) - Andrei Yermak, the chief of the Ukrainian presidential office, introduced the new ambassadors of the Grain from Ukraine initiative in Africa, including a former president of Malawi, on Thursday.

Yermak pointed out that he sees prospects for the expansion of the project, Ukrainian media outlets said, citing the press service of the presidential office. "To do this, we need reliable partners with knowledge of local peculiarities and extensive connections," he said.

Yermak introduced the experts who became the first Grain from Ukraine ambassadors on the African continent. Former President of Malawi, Dr. Joyce Banda, who is now actively involved in a number of international organizations, in particular, the executive board of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, is one of them.

The Regional Director for Central and West Africa at the United States National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh, who headed international election monitoring missions and managed democracy support programs in many African countries, also joined the initiative.

Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, a former Nigerian education minister and former vice president of the World Bank, currently a senior advisor at the Africa Economic Development Policy Initiative and regional director of the National Democratic Institute in Africa, became the third Grain from Ukraine ambassador.

According to Yermak, over 30 donor states have already joined the Grain from Ukraine program since its establishment in November 2022.

"The goal is to supply grain to at least five million people by the end of this spring. And it is just the beginning of a global humanitarian corridor for countries facing the threat of famine," he said.