Mike Penrose Says 'Food from Ukraine' Programme Increases Aid Value in Africa
Mike Penrose, a veteran humanitarian worker serving as special adviser to the Ukrainian government on the 'Food from Ukraine' programme, stated on April 23 that the initiative "increases the value of the aid that's being distributed." Penrose made the remarks in a France 24 interview following the launch of a regional food distribution hub in Ghana's capital, Accra. The programme aims to channel Ukrainian agricultural exports to regions facing food insecurity.
Penrose described the current global funding environment as an "era of diminishing amounts of money," arguing that the 'Food from Ukraine' model offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional cash-based humanitarian assistance. He said the approach "works equally well in Africa" as it does in other regions, citing the new Accra hub as evidence of the programme's scalability.
Regional Distribution Hub in Accra
The launch of the regional food distribution hub in Accra represents a significant operational expansion for the programme. Penrose, speaking from Ghana, confirmed that the hub is now operational and receiving Ukrainian grain shipments for distribution across West Africa. The facility is designed to streamline logistics and reduce spoilage, ensuring that more food reaches intended recipients rather than being lost in transit or storage.
The adviser did not specify the exact tonnage of grain delivered to the Accra hub or the number of countries it will serve. However, he emphasized that the hub model reduces overhead costs compared to fragmented, country-by-country distribution networks. "Every dollar saved on logistics is a dollar that feeds more people," Penrose told France 24.
Programme Model and Funding Challenges
Penrose framed the 'Food from Ukraine' programme as a response to shrinking international humanitarian budgets. He noted that donor governments are facing competing domestic pressures, leading to what he called an "era of diminishing amounts of money" for traditional aid programs. The programme's approach — sourcing grain directly from Ukrainian farmers and shipping it to recipient countries — bypasses commodity markets and reduces intermediary costs.
The special adviser argued that this direct procurement model "increases the value of the aid that's being distributed" by up to 30 percent compared to cash-based alternatives, though he did not provide specific financial data during the interview. He stated that the programme has already delivered hundreds of thousands of metric tons of grain to countries in Africa and the Middle East since its inception.
Operational Effectiveness in African Context
Penrose specifically addressed the programme's performance in Africa, stating that the model "works equally well in Africa" as it does in other regions. He cited the Accra hub as proof of concept, noting that local partners have successfully managed distribution to neighboring countries facing acute food shortages. The adviser did not name which countries are receiving grain through the Accra facility.
The interview comes as Ukraine continues to export grain under bilateral agreements with several African nations, despite ongoing disruptions to Black Sea shipping routes. Penrose acknowledged logistical challenges but insisted that the programme has maintained delivery schedules through alternative transport corridors. He did not provide specific shipment data for the current quarter.
Next Steps for the Programme
Penrose indicated that the Ukrainian government plans to establish additional regional hubs in other parts of Africa and Asia, though he did not announce specific locations or timelines. He said the programme is in discussions with several donor governments to secure multi-year funding commitments, moving beyond the current year-to-year budgeting cycle.
The special adviser concluded by reiterating that the 'Food from Ukraine' programme represents a sustainable model for food aid in an era of constrained budgets. "We are proving that you can do more with less," he said. "The question is whether the international community will invest in scaling this approach."