2nd KOREA-AFRICA FORUM SEMINAR

The document outlines the potential for synergy between Korea's technological and management expertise and Africa's abundant natural resources. It contrasts Africa's current economic struggles—including infrastructure deficits and the HIV/AIDS epidemic—with Korea's transition from a war-ravaged nation in the 1950s to an OECD member by 1996. The speaker emphasizes that Africa can learn from Korea's state-led industrialization and rural development initiatives, such as the Saemoul Undong, to achieve sustainable growth and poverty eradication.

• The Republic of Korea is positioned to assist Africa by combining its advanced technologies, management expertise, and experience in human resources development with Africa's abundant natural resources.
• Africa faces significant obstacles to sustainable growth, including political instability, a low GDP per capita of US$ 520 (estimated up until 2000), and a trade profile where 40% of imports are lost to foreign loan debts and interest.
• Critical infrastructure gaps exist across the continent, specifically in telecommunications, electricity, roads, and railways, including a lack of networks connecting Cairo to Cape Town and Dakar to the Horn of Africa.
• The HIV/AIDS epidemic is identified as a major burden on African society, leading to decreased life expectancy, an increase in orphans, and a loss of labour.
• Korea transitioned from a developing country with a GDP per capita of US$ 74 in the 1950s to a developed country and OECD member by 1996 through a market-oriented authoritarian regime that prioritized high economic growth over redistribution.
• The 'New Village Movement' (Saemoul Undong) in the early 1970s aimed to improve rural quality of life through self-help projects, infrastructure upgrades, and income-generating activities like greenhouse horticulture.
• Korean diplomacy in Africa is driven by the goal of mutual prosperity, the pursuit of energy and other resources in emerging markets, and the belief that a growing Africa will lead to a more balanced international order.

APA

Human, N. K. (2007). 2nd KOREA-AFRICA FORUM SEMINAR. South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/safp_kaf_korea_dfa_speech_20071115.pdf

Chicago

Human, Nina Karen. 2nd KOREA-AFRICA FORUM SEMINAR. South African Institute of International Affairs, 2007. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/safp_kaf_korea_dfa_speech_20071115.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |last1=Human |first1=Nina Karen |title=2nd KOREA-AFRICA FORUM SEMINAR |publisher=South African Institute of International Affairs |date=15 November 2007 |url=https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/safp_kaf_korea_dfa_speech_20071115.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{human20072nd, author = {Human, Nina Karen}, title = {{2nd KOREA-AFRICA FORUM SEMINAR}}, publisher = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2007}, month = nov, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/safp_kaf_korea_dfa_speech_20071115.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }