South Korea and the African Union review their joint cooperation fund and explore expanded partnerships in trade, investment, healthcare, agriculture, climate action and regional security.
South Korea and the African Union (AU) have discussed strengthening their partnership through improved management of their joint cooperation fund and expanded collaboration in trade, investment, healthcare and other development sectors. The discussions took place during the seventh round of Korea-AU policy consultations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The meeting was led by Chung Kwang-yong, Director-General for African and Middle Eastern Affairs at South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Willy Nyamitwe, Chairperson of the AU's Permanent Representatives Committee. Both delegations reviewed existing cooperation initiatives and explored opportunities to expand practical engagement between South Korea and African countries.
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A key focus was the management of the Korea-AU Cooperation Fund, which supports collaborative activities and development initiatives. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen the fund's operation and ensure that it contributes more effectively to their shared cooperation priorities. The consultations also provided an opportunity to assess ongoing projects and identify areas where further coordination could deliver tangible outcomes.
South Korea highlighted its ongoing cooperation programmes across Africa, covering trade and investment, healthcare, agriculture, youth and women's empowerment, climate change, and peace and security. These sectors form part of the country's broader engagement with African nations, with an emphasis on supporting sustainable development and strengthening institutional and economic partnerships.
Healthcare cooperation remains an important component of the relationship, particularly as countries seek to improve health services and strengthen their capacity to address public health challenges. Collaboration in agriculture and climate change is also relevant to development priorities across the continent, while initiatives focused on youth and women aim to expand opportunities for participation in economic and social activities.
South Korea also proposed expanding bilateral and multilateral engagement through high-level exchanges. Regular diplomatic consultations and leadership-level interactions are expected to provide opportunities to review existing initiatives, discuss emerging priorities and strengthen coordination between the two sides.
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The African Union welcomed South Korea's continued commitment to cooperation with the continent and acknowledged its contributions to ongoing partnership initiatives. The organisation also expressed its willingness to support stronger practical cooperation and mutually beneficial growth.
Established in 2002, the African Union is a continental organisation comprising 54 member states. It works to promote African integration, peace and security, and cooperation among its members. Its engagement with international partners provides a framework for addressing shared economic, social and development priorities.
The seventh policy consultation also forms part of efforts to strengthen regular dialogue between Seoul and the AU. With both sides seeking to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, the discussions are expected to support future initiatives and reinforce the broader South Korea-Africa partnership.