Connect with us
Anglostratits

Business

Korea and Africa Chart New Course on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Infrastructure at 20th anniversary of Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC)

Published

3 weeks ago

on

KOAFEC

A new Action Plan to accelerate Africa’s digital and AI transformation to be unveiled at 8th Ministerial Conference in Seoul

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, September 3, 2026/APO Group/ –Two decades after its founding, the Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) partnership opens a new chapter in Seoul next week, with artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure at the heart of discussions on Africa’s economic transformation.

 




  

The 8th KOAFEC Ministerial Conference (https://apo-opa.co/4x2fplN) will run from 8 to 11 September under the theme “Harnessing AI and Digital Infrastructure for Africa’s Transformation.” It will bring together African ministers, senior Korean officials, development partners, private sector leaders, investors, innovators and start-up founders. They will explore how technology, investment and value creation can accelerate Africa’s development. The conference will be officially opened by Prime Minister Han Seong-sook.

The conference marks the 20th anniversary of KOAFEC, the flagship platform for Korea- Africa economic cooperation, established in 2006. For the African Development Bank Group, a founding pillar of the partnership alongside Korea’s Ministry of Finance and Economy, and the Korea Export-Import Bank (KEXIM), the occasion offers an opportunity to take stock of two decades of cooperation and to define a more ambitious agenda for the future.

African Development Bank Group President, Dr Sidi Ould Tah, is leading the Bank’s delegation to Seoul, marking his first official visit to the Republic of Korea since taking office in September 2025.

The 2026 conference will examine how Korean expertise in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, ICT, energy, manufacturing and innovation can contribute to Africa’s development priorities.

For the African Development Bank Group, this ambition aligns directly with President Ould Tah’s Four Cardinal Points (https://apo-opa.co/4gJnabL) strategic framework: unlocking Africa’s capital power, rebuilding its financial sovereignty; turning demographic trends into a dividend, and building resilient infrastructure and competitive value chains.

Anchored on these Four Cardinal Points is the New African Financial Architecture for Development (NAFAD), which aims to mobilise substantial African and global capital for the continent’s development needs and bridge its estimated annual financing gap of more than $400 billion.

The Tangible Results of a Unique Partnership

KOAFEC offers a formidable platform for advancing this agenda.  The renewed partnership comes at a pivotal moment. Africa’s youthful and growing population, abundant critical minerals and expanding continental market offer significant opportunities, but converting these assets into productive industries, jobs and inclusive growth will require greater access to capital, technology, infrastructure and skills.

Since its creation in 2007, the KOAFEC Trust Fund has become the Bank Group’s largest active bilateral trust fund. Approximately $50 million in project preparation support has catalysed an investment pipeline exceeding $6 billion and mobilised around $4 billion in financing, supporting operations 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 more than 1,200 businesses, and helped create more than 5,000 jobs.

The 20th anniversary is more than a moment to mark past achievements. It is an opportunity to define what the partnership should deliver over the next two decades, as Africa navigates rapid technological change and seeks a stronger position within emerging global value chains.

The conference is expected to culminate in a Joint Declaration setting out a shared vision and practical pathways to deepen Korea-Africa economic cooperation, along with the introduction of the 2027–2028 Action Plan, covering digital transformation and artificial intelligence, energy, infrastructure, trade, private sector development, and human capital.

For the Bank Group, the ambition is clear: to utilise KOAFEC as a platform to elevate Korea-Africa cooperation to a new level – one in which technology and foreign investment converge with Africa’s own capital, talent and markets to support investment, value creation, jobs and shared prosperity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

 




 

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Business

Carbon, water and grid investment move to the centre of Africa’s business resilience agenda

Published

5 hours ago

on

September 24, 2026

By

A new series of VUKA Group webinars will bring industry experts together to examine these challenges and the practical decisions organisations need to make

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 24, 2026/APO Group/ –Commercial and industrial businesses, utilities and investors across Africa are being forced to confront three increasingly connected challenges: credible decarbonisation, water security and the infrastructure required to support reliable power systems.

A new series of VUKA Group webinars will bring industry experts together to examine these challenges and the practical decisions organisations need to make.

 




 
Commercial and industrial compliance in the spotlight

On 29 September 2026 at 13:00 SAST, Carbon, compliance and credible energy claims: What C&I customers must get right will explore how commercial and industrial energy users can align renewable energy procurement with carbon accounting standards and evolving reporting obligations.

The discussion will examine the evidence required to substantiate renewable electricity claims, the role of Renewable Energy Certificates in Scope 2 reporting, the implications of mechanisms such as the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and how organisations can reduce greenwashing risk while strengthening emissions reporting.

Speakers include Sanelisiwe Mdlalose, Hulamin; Hendrick Raedani, City of Ekurhuleni; and Duane Newman, EY.

Register for the carbon compliance webinar: https://apo-opa.co/4AtqRKf

These issues will continue at the C&I Energy + Storage Summit Johannesburg, 28–29 October 2026 at The Maslow Hotel, Sandton, where energy procurement, carbon taxes, renewable integration, storage, market reform and industrial resilience form part of the programme.

Find out more about the Summit: https://apo-opa.co/4xMkZsR

Strategy for African water resilience

Water resilience takes centre stage on 30 September 2026 at 14:00 SAST with From water risk to water resilience: How South Africa’s water-intensive industries are securing their future.

The webinar will examine how businesses are responding to ageing infrastructure, supply uncertainty, rising costs and sustainability pressures by improving efficiency, diversifying water sources and investing in reuse, recycling and smarter water management.

The webinar line-up includes Benoit Le Roy, South African Water Chamber NPC; Nsuku Chankira, Thungela; Molatelo Motau, Heineken Beverages; Marilyn Maduka, Credew Limited; and Philindile Mahlangu from Magalies Water as moderator.

Register for the water resilience webinar: https://apo-opa.co/4z0aJyx

The conversation continues at Water Security Africa Johannesburg, co-located with the C&I Energy + Storage Summit, where industrial water independence, infrastructure finance, digital water systems, reuse and business continuity will be explored across two days.

Read more here: https://apo-opa.co/4yfjlBj

Towards Africa’s scalable energy transition

Looking to the infrastructure enabling Africa’s energy transition, Scaling transmission infrastructure: Innovative financing models for emerging markets takes place on 14 October 2026 at 14:00 SAST, moderated by Tshegofatso Neeuwfan, Global Energy Alliance.

Using the Mozambique Temane Transmission Project and insights from Belgian transmission system operator Elia, the webinar will explore bankable project structures, risk allocation and investor engagement that can help move major transmission projects from planning to delivery.

Register for the transmission infrastructure webinar: https://apo-opa.co/4ycMnkS

Transmission investment, project delivery and financing will remain central to Enlit Africa, 11–13 May 2027 at the CTICC in Cape Town, bringing Africa’s power, energy and water sectors together around supply security, investment and infrastructure development.

Join the Enlit Africa 2027 programme waiting list: www.Enlit-Africa.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

 




 

Continue Reading

Events

Dongfeng Motor’s 10th Science and Technology Innovation Week and 1st User Lifestyle Festival Kick Off in Wuhan

Published

7 hours ago

on

September 24, 2026

By

Dongfeng

Over the course of ten editions spanning a decade, Dongfeng Motor’s Science and Technology Innovation Week has further strengthened the connection between technology and users

WUHAN, China, September 24, 2026/APO Group/ –On September 14, Dongfeng Motor’s (​http://www.Dongfeng-Global.com/) 10th Science and Technology Innovation Week and 1st User Lifestyle Festival kicked off in Wuhan. With the theme “ Wind from the East, Creating a Smart Life,” the event showcased the innovative achievements of a Chinese automaker in intelligent and green mobility, as well as its global expansion.

 




 
 

At the opening ceremony, Dongfeng Motor unveiled the “Sky-Clean Zero-Carbon” Plan, the Embodied Intelligent Vehicle All-Domain Protection Plan, and the “Sky Horizon Voyage” Plan. Among them, the “Sky-Clean Zero-Carbon” Plan leverages the “1331” framework to build an integrated vehicle-energy ecosystem, aiming to achieve more than 1 million tonnes of coordinated carbon reduction annually and promote the transformation of automobiles into mobile energy assets; the Embodied Intelligent Vehicle All-Domain Protection Plan adopts a “1+6+4” technology system to establish a new paradigm for all-domain vehicle safety in the era of embodied intelligence; the “Sky Horizon Voyage” Plan establishes a “125” global business strategy, with plans to invest RMB 50 billion and launch more than 50 vehicle models, while striving to achieve overseas sales of 1.5 million vehicles by 2030.

 

Over the course of ten editions spanning a decade, Dongfeng Motor’s Science and Technology Innovation Week has further strengthened the connection between technology and users. At Dongfeng Motor’s 1st User Lifestyle Festival, more than 240 owner representatives from its various brands gathered in Wuhan. Dongfeng also launched the “Dongfeng Youxin” service brand for its broad user base, establishing a full-lifecycle user service system.

On the same day, the 72nd International Commercial Vehicle and Parts Exhibition opened in Hannover, Germany. Three Dongfeng hydrogen-powered vehicles and a 400-kilowatt fuel cell making its global debut are on display at Booth C20 in Hall H12.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Dongfeng Motor Corporation.

 

 




 

Continue Reading

Events

Global Mayors Dialogue in Wuhan focuses on urban innovation and cooperation

Published

13 hours ago

on

September 24, 2026

By

The Global Mayors Dialogue

WUHAN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 September 2026 – The Global Mayors Dialogue · Wuhan and the 2026 Wuhan International Friendship Cities Cooperation Conference, held from Sept. 18 to 21, brought together 80 international guests from 24 cities across 22 countries, according to organizers.

At the event, mayors and city representatives from six international sister cities of Wuhan called for closer cooperation in technology, industry, education and culture.

Representatives from Manchester in Britain, Kemi in Finland, Cape Town in South Africa, Yangon in Myanmar, Rzeszów in Poland and Turkistan in Kazakhstan took part in discussions on urban innovation, industrial cooperation and cultural exchange.
 




 
Manchester: a new start after 40 years of friendship

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Wuhan and Manchester.

Shaukat Ali, lord mayor of Manchester, said the city was ready to deepen cooperation with Wuhan in education, culture, youth affairs, innovation and industry.

“Manchester is committed to promoting urban transformation through open cooperation, sharing opportunities, and fostering common development with international sister cities like Wuhan,” he said.

Ali said Manchester had developed from a post-industrial city into an innovation-oriented economy, with a focus on advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, life sciences and green technologies.

He said the two cities could share experience in urban transformation, innovation districts, university-industry cooperation and low-carbon development, while encouraging links among universities, businesses and research institutions.

He also highlighted existing educational and cultural links, including cooperation between Hubei University and Manchester Metropolitan University and exchanges between the Royal Northern College of Music and Wuhan Conservatory of Music.

Kemi: balancing growth with environmental protection

Mikko Koivulehto, chairman of the City Council of Kemi, said the Finnish city sought to balance economic growth with environmental protection.

“We believe that protecting nature and building a prosperous city can go hand in hand,” he said.

Kemi, a port city in Finnish Lapland, has developed industries based on renewable raw materials, clean energy and the bioeconomy. The city is also seeking to expand tourism and improve livability.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the friendly exchange relationship between Wuhan and Kemi. The two cities have cooperated in areas including trade, the circular economy, tourism and youth exchanges.

Cape Town: technology and jobs key to urban transformation

Lungelo Mbandazayo, city manager of Cape Town, said technological innovation, talent development, infrastructure and green renewal were key to Wuhan’s transformation.

Cape Town, a UNESCO City of Design, is seeking to expand its technology and digital sectors while promoting green technology and an inclusive economy.

Mbandazayo said youth unemployment remained a major challenge for Cape Town and that technological development needed to create jobs.

After visiting Wuhan companies and technology facilities, he said Cape Town hoped to deepen exchanges with Wuhan in technology and talent.

Yangon: seeking practical cooperation with Wuhan

Yangon Mayor Myo Myint Aung said the city was looking to Wuhan for experience in smart-city development, digital governance, intelligent transport and urban resilience.

Wuhan and Yangon signed a letter of intent on friendly exchanges and cooperation during the event.

Yangon is developing a long-term plan to accommodate population growth and expand its urban, industrial and transport infrastructure.

During a visit to Wuhan on Sept. 19, Myo toured the Optics Valley “Photon” suspended monorail, HGTECH and a Xiaomi smart home appliance factory.

“We came to Wuhan not just to observe, but to learn and cooperate,” he said, adding that Yangon hoped to develop smart manufacturing and strengthen cooperation in information technology.

Rzeszów: opportunities in aerospace and technology

Rzeszów Mayor Konrad Fijołek said the Polish city hoped to cooperate with Wuhan in aerospace, sensor technology, biodiversity and climate action.

Rzeszów is home to the “Aviation Valley,” a major aerospace cluster in Central Europe.

“Exploring cooperation with Wuhan is the reason I came here,” Fijołek said.

After visiting HGTECH and a Xiaomi smart home appliance factory, he said Wuhan’s automated manufacturing and technologies in sensors and satellite systems had impressed him.

He said cities could help connect universities, businesses and research institutions and promote international cooperation.

Turkistan: five areas for cooperation

Turkestan Mayor Azimbek Pazylbekuly said his city hoped to expand cooperation with Wuhan in tourism and culture, education and science, investment and entrepreneurship, digitalization and innovation, and transport and logistics.

Wuhan and Turkistan signed a memorandum of intent on friendly exchanges and cooperation during the event.

Turkistan, an ancient Silk Road city and a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been developing industries including food processing, textiles, furniture and construction materials.

Pazylbekuly said cooperation between governments, businesses, universities and research institutions could help turn the two cities’ exchanges into concrete projects.

The conference also included friendship-city anniversary celebrations and a signing ceremony for 10 cooperation projects. A digital list of cooperation opportunities and an initiative on international friendship-city cooperation were released.

During their stay, the visiting mayors toured Wuhan’s technology, manufacturing and ecological facilities, including the Optics Valley suspended monorail, a Yangtze finless porpoise conservation center, Xiaomi, HGTECH and Dongfeng Motor facilities.
  




 

Continue Reading

Trending