Edition May 2025

In a historic first, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in South Africa on 24 April 2025, signaling a push to strengthen ties and boost collaboration on trade, energy, and peacebuilding.

This marked the first visit by a Ukrainian Head of State to South Africa in the 33 years since the establishment of formal diplo- matic relations. Both nations have shown growing interest in deepening cooperation in peace diplomacy, post-conflict reconstruction and development and the empowerment of women.

Amid global tensions and economic uncertainty, President Zelenskyy’s visit highlights South Africa’s growing role in fostering dialogue and multilateral cooperation. The visit also aligns with South Africa’s G20 Presidency, a key platform for bringing together global leaders and policy- makers to share knowledge, pool resources, and address pressing international challenges.

President Zelenskyy engaged with President Cyril Ramaphosa and senior government officials on mutual interests and opportunities for collaboration in areas such as agriculture, trade, education, Infrastructure and social exchanges.

Strengthening diplomatic ties

During a press conference held as part of the visit, President Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to peaceful conflict  resolution and multilat- eral diplomacy.

“Our engagement today was an opportunity to discuss our shared interest in advancing peace, security, stability and sustainable development on the continent, in Ukraine and across the world” he said, welcoming President Zelenskyy’s outreach to nations in the Global South.

President Zelenskyy, in turn, expressed gratitude for South Africa’s willingness to serve as a bridge between different geopolitical blocs.

“Today we talked with President Ramaphosa about how important it is that global efforts are now as united as possible and that there should be pressure on Russia to end the war.

Pressure for peace. We also talked about opportunities at the G20 level. South Africa now presides over the G20, and the role of the G20 countries may be much greater in the defence of life. And we are very much counting on it,” he said.

Economic and trade prospects

A key focus of the visit was enhancing economic ties.

South Africa, with its diversified economy and strategic position in Africa, presents opportunities for Ukrainian investment in agriculture, particularly in seed technology and food security projects. Discussions also covered potential partnerships in trade and infrastructure, areas where both nations are seeking sustainable development paths.

President Ramaphosa also noted the significant strides that Ukraine has taken, and in particular the efforts of President Zelenskyy, to expand relations with Africa.

“We note the provision of grain in areas of food stress in west and east Africa, the expansion of agricultural cooperation, and the opening of a grain hub at the Port of Mombasa in Kenya,” added President Ramaphosa.

President Zelenskyy empha- sised that joint projects in agriculture and other industries can increase bilateral trade between Ukraine and South Africa.

Inclusive dialogue and academic collaboration

Both Presidents also emphasised people-to-people links. President Ramaphosa acknowledged and appreciated the support received from Ukraine during the country’s liberation struggle, when a number of exiled South Africans received training and education in Ukraine.

South Africa has voiced deep concern over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, particularly the loss of civilian lives, damage to critical infrastructure and deteriorating humanitarian situation. The country maintains that lasting peace can only be achieved through diplomacy, inclusive dialogue, and a commitment to the principles enshrined in the United Nations (UN) Charter.

President Ramaphosa added that,

“If there is one thing that our history has taught us, it is that diplomacy and dialogue are more powerful than any weapon”.

A Visit of symbolism and strategy

President Zelenskyy’s visit to South Africa marks a new chapter in diplomatic relations and highlights the importance of inclusive global dialogue. As the international order evolves, South Africa’s balanced and principled foreign policy continues to provide a platform for constructive engagement across ideological divides.

South Africa’s global influence and power was revealed during the press conference when President Ramaphosa told journalists that he spoke to both President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin and discussed the peace process in Ukraine.

South Africa stands ready to continue to support all credible and inclusive multilateral efforts aimed at achieving a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace.

Redefining global power dynamics

South Africa, as a member of BRICS and an influential voice in the Global South, holds sway in global forums such as the UN. Its non-aligned position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict has attracted international attention and made its support valuable for both sides of the conflict.

Ukraine’s working visit to South Africa represents a significant diplomatic effort to forge stronger ties with a key Global South nation.

In an interconnected world, where challenges such as food insecurity, climate change and conflict transcend borders, partnerships like these rooted in mutual respect and shared interests are more necessary than ever.