OSLO, Norway (CHATNEWSTV) — Norway has pledged an additional NOK 50 million (USD 4.5 million) to the “Grain from Ukraine” initiative, a move aimed at tackling severe food insecurity in parts of the Middle East and Africa. The announcement was made in a statement released by Norway’s Ministry of Development Cooperation on Tuesday.
According to the statement, Norway’s latest contribution emphasizes the country’s dedication to supporting global food security during challenging times. “The program shows the strength of international collaboration,” said Anne Beathe Kristiansen Tvinnereim, Norway’s Minister for Development Cooperation. “Despite the challenges posed by Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine continues to support global food systems, delivering essential relief to countries in need. Norway’s increased support underscores its dedication to preventing hunger and fostering stability in regions most affected by global crises.”
The “Grain from Ukraine” initiative, spearheaded by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2022, aims to ensure the safe and reliable transport of Ukrainian grain to developing countries. The program’s importance has grown following Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Agreement in July 2023, which led to sharp increases in global food prices. Although prices have stabilized, many vulnerable regions still face challenges due to high dollar-based costs and weakened local currencies.
The statement highlighted that the initiative has already delivered over 170,000 tons of grain to countries in need, including Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Yemen, and Gaza, where over 90% of the population is food insecure. Other nations such as Nigeria, Djibouti, and Mozambique have also benefited from the program, which is implemented with the assistance of the World Food Program (WFP).
Norway’s new funding comes in addition to an earlier NOK 100 million contribution to the same initiative, raising the country’s total commitment to NOK 150 million. The global effort has attracted over USD 250 million in support from more than 25 countries, facilitating the continued export of Ukrainian grain and cooking oil—critical resources that represented over 15% of the world’s grain exports and more than 50% of sunflower oil exports before the conflict.
The statement emphasized that Norway’s contribution is part of a broader strategy to assist regions suffering from food shortages. “We support this initiative, in addition to supporting increased local food production in countries in the Middle East and Africa,” Tvinnereim noted, underlining the importance of boosting local resilience alongside international aid.
