The seminar opened with welcoming remarks by Director Jin-Han Lee of the ARI, followed by congratulatory speeches by Vice President Sungbae An for External Relations at KIEP, and Director-General Kwang Yong Chung of the African and Middle Eastern Affairs Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

In his congratulatory address, Director-General Chung of MOFA expressed his hopes that the upcoming G20 Summit to be held this year in South Africa serve as a catalyst for strengthening Korea-Africa relations, and further stated his expectations that this seminar will also provide a meaningful opportunity for both sides to engage in substantive dialogue and foster closer ties.

During Session 1, Professor Dongsuk Kim of the Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security emphasized a people-centered approach in his presentation. He highlighted the pivotal role of the 2023 Korea-Africa Summit in advancing bilateral ties and proposed institutionalizing the summit as a regular mechanism for dialogue.

Professor Kangook Han of Korea University highlighted the importance of institutional factors such as parliamentary and judicial oversight, as well as the active participation of civil society, in promoting democracy in Africa. He also underscored that inclusive development and balanced governance are key to strengthening democratic values and sustaining peace across the continent.

Mr. Abdellah Achach, Economic Counsellor at the Embassy of Morocco in Korea, stressed the strategic importance of Morocco as a key partner for Korea and introduced various initiatives led by the African diplomatic corps in Seoul.

Session 2 addressed economic and development cooperation between Korea and Africa. Dr. Seoni Han, Associate Research Fellow at KIEP, noted that amid global economic uncertainties, Africa’s economy is showing a moderate recovery; however, it continues to face significant challenges such as a slowdown in poverty reduction, trade deficits, fiscal difficulties, and the adverse impacts of climate change. Despite these existing challenges, she presented Africa’s wealth of natural capital, such as key minerals and renewable energy, along with its continued pursuit of economic integration and industrialization, as significant prospects for future cooperation.

Professor Doo Young Choi of Korea University analyzed the vacuum created by recent shifts in USAID policy under the Trump administration and discussed how Korea could develop a strategic response. He suggested that Korea move beyond its traditional role as an aid provider and take on the more proactive position of a governance architect.

Lastly, Professor Moamen Gouda of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies discussed Korea-Africa cooperation in trade, energy, and infrastructure. He remarked that the increase in intra-African trade, growth of the renewable energy sector, and rising demand for infrastructure driven by rapid urbanization would create numerous opportunities for collaboration. Building on this, he emphasized the need for Korea-Africa relations to evolve from a business-oriented approach to a strategic economic partnership.

The seminar featured a panel discussion with Mr. Sung-jin Kim, Head of the Ubuntu Initiative at Yonhap News Agency; Dr. Only Jeon, HK Research Professor of the Institute of African Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies; Mr. Muhammad Mukaddas, First Secretary at the Embassy of Nigeria in South Korea; Mr. Claude K. Ganza, First Counselor at the Embassy of Rwanda in South Korea; Mr. Kyungha Kim, Senior Research Fellow at the Korea Eximbank; and Dr. Munsu Kang, Research Fellow at KIEP. The seminar was attended by  representatives from the Korea-Africa Foundation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, academia, and the private sector.

- Title: Korea-Africa Cooperation International Seminar

- Topic: Strategic Directions for Korea–Africa Cooperation with the New Administration of Korea

- Date & Time: Thursday, June 26, 2025, 13:30-18:00

- Venue: Conference Hall 310, Asiatic Research Institute, Korea University, Seoul

- Hosts: Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP), Asiatic Research Institute (ARI) of Korea University

- Contact: Injeong Hwang, Researcher, Africa, Middle East, and Latin America Team (ijhwang@kiep.go.kr)