Africa: South Korea, Africa Pledge Deeper Ai Partnership to Accelerate Continent's Digital Transformation

The African Development Bank and Korea's National Information Society Agency (NIA) have strengthened their collaboration to promote artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation across the continent. Ousmane Fall, the Bank's Director of Industry and Trade Development, and Yoon-Seok Ko, NIA's Vice-President, signed a letter of intent in Seoul during the 8th Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) Ministerial Conference.

This agreement outlines joint initiatives to support digital transitions in the Bank's regional member countries. The partnership aims to explore areas such as data governance, AI-ready datasets, and digital public infrastructure (DPI), as well as training programs for public sector managers and engineers to leverage AI in improving public services, fostering innovation, and promoting entrepreneurship.

Additionally, the institutions will examine opportunities related to digital infrastructure roll-out. The African Development Bank predicts that AI could contribute up to $1 trillion to Africa's GDP by 2035, contingent upon investments in digital infrastructure, affordable connectivity, reliable electricity, skills, and enabling policies.

The NIA will provide technical expertise, while the Bank will assist in identifying African countries' priorities and mobilizing financing, including through the Korea-financed KOAFEC trust fund. This three-year initial term reflects both parties' commitment to accelerate Africa's digital transformation and enhance their capacity to harness AI for inclusive and sustainable growth.

AI was a focal point of discussions at the KOAFEC Ministerial Conference, held in Seoul from September 8-11 under the theme "Harnessing AI and Digital Infrastructure for Africa's Transformation." Korea joined the African Development Fund in 1980 and the African Development Bank in 1982, leading to the launch of KOAFEC in 2006, now the Bank's largest active bilateral fund.

KOAFEC has contributed over $132.82 million in cumulative contributions since 1980, supporting more than 40 investment operations and programmes totaling over $6 billion, and mobilizing at least $4 billion in financing. The conference concluded with a final declaration and an action plan, which includes implementing AI-related projects in several African countries, particularly in agriculture, water, health, governance, and capacity building.