Updated plan for Russian grain shipments and distribution in Africa
Large-scale grain deliveries from Russia are set to be shipped using a lineup of about forty vessels. The operations are planned to originate from two major ports, Tuapse and Novorossiysk, and the cargo is destined for several African nations facing food security challenges. The exact timing and sequencing of departures are expected to be clarified in the near term as logistics partners coordinate the itinerary and capacity considerations for loading, transit, and unloading.
Each freighter in the fleet is anticipated to carry substantial quantities, with capacity levels around twenty five thousand tons per voyage. The plan envisions ships loading grain at Tuapse and Novorossiysk, while the precise schedule will be determined in the coming days as terminal operations, weather windows, and convoy arrangements are aligned with port authorities and shipping lines.
After the cargo reaches Turkish ports, the grain will proceed to processing facilities that operate in private sector flour mills. These mills will transform the grain into flour suitable for distribution to markets in need across the region. The initial stage of this distribution is focused on delivering flour to several nations including Mali, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, Eritrea and the Central African Republic, aligning with urgent humanitarian and food assistance needs.
Priority is expected to be given to countries that lack local flour processing capacity. Among the beneficiary states mentioned for early shipment are Libya, Djibouti, Chad, Ethiopia and Yemen, where the initiative aims to provide a core food staple to support nutrition and stability.
On the diplomatic front, Ankara has been actively engaging with a network of international partners and states interested in the grain arrangements in the lead up to major international gatherings. The efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure that grain support remains available to countries that rely on imports for essential food supplies and that logistical channels stay open for continued assistance.
The broader objective of extending and sustaining grain support has been highlighted by senior figures and organizations, who point to the stability and resilience that reliable food aid can offer to vulnerable populations. The initiative underscores the ongoing emphasis on international cooperation to address food security challenges in multiple regions, with careful attention to monitoring, delivery, and impact on local markets.