South Korea, Africa to focus on AI and digital infrastructure at conference

03 Sep 2026
Financial Nigeria

Summary

The conference is expected to define priorities for the next phase of Korea-Africa cooperation as the continent adapts to rapid technological change and seeks stronger integration into global value chains.

South Korean Prime Minister Han Seong-sook

South Korea and African countries will seek to deepen economic cooperation through artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure and technology-driven investment at the 8th Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) Ministerial Conference scheduled for 8-11 September in Seoul.

The conference, themed “Harnessing AI and Digital Infrastructure for Africa’s Transformation,” coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation partnership and is expected to bring together African ministers, South Korean government officials, development partners, investors, private sector leaders, innovators and start-up founders.

South Korean Prime Minister Han Seong-sook is expected to officially open the event, where participants will explore how technological innovation, investment and value creation can accelerate Africa’s economic transformation.

The conference comes at a time when African countries are increasingly seeking to leverage digital technologies and artificial intelligence to boost productivity, strengthen infrastructure and create jobs for a rapidly growing population.

African Development Bank Group President Sidi Ould Tah will lead the Bank’s delegation to Seoul, marking his first official visit to South Korea since assuming office in September 2025.

Organisers said discussions will focus on how Korean expertise in AI, information and communications technology, digital infrastructure, energy, manufacturing and innovation can support Africa’s development priorities.

For the African Development Bank Group, the agenda aligns with President Ould Tah’s “Four Cardinal Points” strategic framework, which seeks to unlock Africa’s capital potential, strengthen financial sovereignty, transform demographic growth into economic opportunity, and build resilient infrastructure and competitive value chains.

The framework is anchored on the New African Financial Architecture for Development (NAFAD), an initiative aimed at mobilising African and international capital to address the continent’s annual development financing gap estimated at more than $400 billion.

Officials say the renewed Korea-Africa partnership comes at a critical moment. While Africa possesses a youthful population, abundant critical mineral resources and a growing continental market, converting those advantages into industrial growth, employment and inclusive development will require greater access to capital, technology, infrastructure and skills.

Since its establishment in 2007, the KOAFEC Trust Fund has become the African Development Bank Group’s largest active bilateral trust fund. According to conference organisers, roughly $50 million in project preparation support has helped generate an investment pipeline exceeding $6 billion and mobilised about $4 billion in financing across sectors including energy, agriculture, digital transformation, infrastructure, natural resources and private sector development.

The partnership has also supported more than 1,300 start-ups and entrepreneurs, benefited over 1,200 businesses and contributed to the creation of more than 5,000 jobs.

Beyond celebrating past achievements, the anniversary conference is expected to define priorities for the next phase of Korea-Africa cooperation as the continent adapts to rapid technological change and seeks stronger integration into global value chains.

The meeting is expected to conclude with a Joint Declaration outlining a shared vision for deeper economic cooperation, alongside a 2027-2028 Action Plan covering digital transformation, artificial intelligence, energy, infrastructure, trade, private sector development and human capital.

The African Development Bank Group said it aims to use the KOAFEC platform to elevate Korea-Africa cooperation by combining technology and foreign investment with Africa’s own capital, talent and markets to drive investment, job creation and shared prosperity.


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