Relations and Cooperation
Korea-Africa Relations
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The beginning of Korea-Africa relations dates back to the period of the Korean War in the 1950s. When Korea faced a difficult time during the war, African countries extended a helping hand: Ethiopia deployed its Royal Guards, South Africa dispatched air force squadrons, Liberia and Egypt offered logistical support, and young Moroccan soldiers fought for Korea as a part of a French unit. This invaluable bond later facilitated Korea's establishment of diplomatic ties with six African nations - Cote d'Ivoire, Niger, Benin, Chad, Cameroon, and the Republic of the Congo - along with the independence of African countries in the 1960s.
In the 1980s, Korea's diplomatic relations with Africa were once again brought under the limelight, which was spurred by the hosting of the 1988 Seoul Olympics. This fostered heightened cultural and political exchanges between Korea and Africa, resulting in a gradual expansion of engagement with African countries and an enhancement in the level of cooperation .
With the end of the Cold War in the 1990s, Korea significantly strengthened its diplomatic engagement in Africa. Notably, Korea's admission to the United Nations and the establishment of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in 1991 marked crucial milestones in bolstering Korea's diplomatic ties with Africa across the continent.
The early 2000s witnessed a burgeoning of solidarity and cohesion efforts across the African continent, culminating in the launch of the African Union (AU) in 2002. Korea attained AU observer status in 2005, which paved the way for substantive collaboration with the AU.
In 2006, through "Korea's Initiative for Africa's Development," Korea announced its commitment to share its developmental experiences with Africa. Additionally, in the same year, the Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) Ministerial Conference and the Korea-Africa Forum (KOAF) were launched in April and November, respectively, which served as key platforms for cooperation with Africa.
Nationally, Korea’s “Africa New Era Forum” in 2013 laid the foundation for parliamentary diplomacy, and “Blueprint for Comprehensive Cooperation with Africa” in 2016 set the stage for producing cooperative partnership that is mutually beneficial for both Korea and Africa. Moreover, the establishment of the Korea-Africa Foundation under the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2018 has fostered private-level exchanges. Through these efforts, Korea and Africa have been expanding their pragmatic cooperation in diverse fields, such as trade, investment, infrastructure, minerals and energy, defense, e-government, and information and digital technologies.
On November 23, 2022, Korea officially announced the plan to host 2024 Korea-Africa Summit, demonstrating its commitment to significantly expand cooperation with Africa. Based on Korea's vision to become a 'Global Pivotal State' and the AU's vision for Agenda 2063, Africa and Korea will work towards establishing a mutually beneficial and future-oriented strategic partnership.
Importance of Korea-Africa Relations
Korea and Africa share similar histories and stand as valuable partners who have collaborated with their distinct strengths. Notably, Korea's unique growth trajectory holds a great appeal for African countries, while Africa's vibrant dynamism as a continent brimming with youthful potentials is anticipated to invigorate Korea's own growth.
Korea and Africa are prepared to grow together.
Africa is the continent of the future, with 60% of the population under the age of 25. Particularly with the inauguration of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in 2019, Africa is rapidly evolving into a vast single market with a population of 1.4 billion and a GDP of $3.4 trillion. Africa is undoubtedly emerging as a global economic powerhouse.
Korea has overcome its painful history of colonization and the Korean War and achieved unprecedented economic growth, famously known as the "Miracle on the Han River." Korea has also transitioned from being a beneficiary of international aid to becoming a donor country, actively contributing to the growth of the international community.
Korea and Africa will build a mutually beneficial, sustainable, and long-lasting partnership, based on the complementary strengths of the two sides. The future that Korea and Africa will shape together is in align with Korea's diplomatic aspirations to become a 'Global Pivotal State' contributing to global freedom, peace, and prosperity and the AU's Agenda 2063 to realize sustainable development and integration of the African continent.
The very first Korea-Africa Summit in 2024 will serve as an important turning point for the two regions in significantly enhancing their pragmatic cooperation as it will connect the respective strengths of Korea and Africa. As equal partners, Korea and Africa are committed to creating a future together for shared growth, sustainability, and solidarity.
Current State of Korea-Africa Cooperation
Korea and Africa have been expanding their pragmatic cooperation in diverse fields, such as trade, investment, infrastructure, minerals and energy, defense, e-government, and information and digital technologies.
