African, Korean ministers talk critical minerals, tech and trade

African and South Korean foreign ministers on Monday, June 1, agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, technology, infrastructure, food security, health, climate action, peace and security, as they sought to strengthen ties amid growing global uncertainties. ALSO READ: Nduhungirehe attends Korea-Africa talks in Seoul The commitments were outlined in a joint statement adopted at the Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Seoul, from June 1-2. The meeting brought together representatives from 50 African countries and key continental institutions, including the African Union (AU), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The ministers agreed to build on the outcomes of the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit and strengthen a “mutually beneficial and practical partnership.” ALSO READ: Middle East war could reverse progress of Africa's trade finance - report Trade, investment and infrastructure A major focus of the meeting was economic cooperation. Ministers agreed to improve market access and strengthen institutional frameworks through agreements such as Bilateral Investment Treaties, Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements, Air Services Agreements and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements. They also reaffirmed support for Africa’s continental integration efforts through the AfCFTA. “Korea remains committed to supporting Africa’s consolidation efforts through the Korea-AfCFTA Cooperation Fund, capacity-building for customs authorities, support for the establishment of a One-stop Origin Management System (OOMS), and the sharing of expertise gained from its extensive experience of Free Trade Agreements,” the statement said. On infrastructure, both sides recognized that reliable roads, railways, ports, airports, dams and water systems are essential for sustainable economic growth. They agreed to strengthen government-to-government cooperation, including through memorandums of understanding on road development, while expanding support through concessional loans, grants and infrastructure-related training programs. ALSO READ: Bridges, not walls: Why Africa must embrace global trade and innovation Digital transformation and education The ministers also committed to accelerating Africa’s digital transformation through technology transfer, skills development and stronger cooperation in information and communications technology. The statement noted plans to support digital systems such as the Customs e-Clearance System (UNI-PASS), the Korea Online E-Procurement System (KONEPS) and the Korean Statistical Information Service (KOSIS). Recognizing the growing importance of emerging technologies, both sides said they would enhance cooperation in artificial intelligence, digitalization and innovation ecosystems. “We further emphasize the role of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, in accelerating Africa’s development,” the ministers said, while stressing the need for a human-centered, inclusive, secure, safe, and trustworthy approach. Education and youth empowerment also featured prominently. The ministers agreed to expand technical and vocational education and training centres, strengthen research partnerships, and increase opportunities through the Global Korea Scholarship programme. Food security and agriculture With agriculture employing more than 60 percent of Africa’s active population, the meeting reaffirmed support for efforts to boost food production and self-sufficiency. Both sides pledged to continue cooperation through initiatives such as the K-Ricebelt project, the Korea Partnership for Innovation in Agriculture (KOPIA) and the Korea-Africa Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative (KAFACI). The statement encouraged further collaboration in advanced farming technologies, fertilizer production and irrigation systems through “technology transfer, technical expertise, and knowledge exchange” to improve agricultural productivity and long-term resilience. Critical minerals and industrial development The ministers also identified critical minerals as a strategic area of cooperation, citing their growing importance for artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and battery manufacturing. They committed to promoting stable mineral supply chains while increasing local value addition in African countries. The statement emphasized the goal of building “a responsible supply chain that respects value creation, job creation, the environment, global standards and human rights.” Both sides agreed to continue consultations on convening a second Korea-Africa Critical Minerals Dialogue. Climate, water and health Climate action emerged as another key area of partnership. The two sides committed to working together on forest and land restoration, renewable energy projects as well as strengthening cooperation on water management. They also acknowledged that climate change is increasingly becoming a public health issue, noting its links to disease outbreaks, food insecurity and water stress. On health, the ministers pledged to strengthen cooperation on universal health coverage, disease prevention and regional health security through projects involving Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and national health systems. Peace, security and people-to-people ties The meeting reaffirmed support for African-led efforts on conflict prevention, peacebuilding and security. The ministers welcomed South Korea’s continued contributions to the AU Peace Fund and agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in defence, military education and security capacity-building. They also emphasized support for “the role of youth and women in the establishment of peace and security across the continent.” Both sides also pledged to expand exchanges in education, culture, tourism, sports and academia. On Tuesday, June 2, government officials, business leaders and experts from both sides are expected to convene for the Korea-Africa Business Forum to explore opportunities for deeper trade and investment ties, industrial collaboration and supply-chain resilience. South Korea also proposed hosting a second Korea-Africa Summit in 2029, with further discussions expected through future senior officials' meetings.

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African, Korean ministers talk critical minerals, tech and trade