South Korea to host African ministers for talks on AI and digital infrastructure

South Korea will host ministers from Africa in Seoul from September 8 to discuss expanding AI and digital infrastructure across the continent. The four-day conference will bring together ministers from all 54 African countries, development institutions and South Korean companies. Discussions will cover AI applications in healthcare, agriculture and education, digital identification and smart government. South Korea says it wants to build long-term partnerships with Africa through technology, infrastructure, talent and private investment, with AI potentially adding up to $1 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2035.

South Korea will host African finance and technology ministers in September for discussions on expanding artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure across the continent.

South Korea’s Finance Ministry said the four-day conference will begin on September 8 in Seoul, bringing together African governments, development institutions and South Korean technology companies.
The discussions will focus on using South Korea’s technology expertise to support Africa’s growing demand for digital infrastructure and innovation.

AFRICA’S AI ECONOMIC POTENTIAL

Organisers estimate that widespread AI adoption could generate up to $1 trillion in additional economic output across Africa by 2035.
The conference will examine how AI can be applied to sectors including healthcare, agriculture and education.
South Korean officials are also expected to promote a proposed “K-AI package”, designed to combine Korean AI technologies with Africa’s digital development needs.

54 AFRICAN COUNTRIES INVITED

Finance ministers from all 54 African countries have been invited to the meeting.
Information and communications technology ministers from selected countries, African Development Bank officials and representatives from international organisations and private companies are also expected to attend.
The broad participation is intended to encourage cooperation across different areas of Africa’s digital economy.

FOCUS ON DIGITAL GOVERNMENT

The talks will also cover digital identification systems and smart public administration.
African governments are increasingly exploring digital tools to improve access to public services, strengthen government administration and make public systems more efficient.
South Korea hopes its experience in digital government and technology infrastructure can support these efforts.

AFRICAN GOVERNMENTS TO MEET SOUTH KOREAN COMPANIES

The conference will also feature a business innovation forum, seminars, exhibitions, investment presentations and one-on-one meetings between African officials and South Korean businesses.
The aim is to create opportunities for investment partnerships and connect African governments with companies offering technology and infrastructure solutions.

SOUTH KOREA SEEKS LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP

The event is being co-hosted by the African Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of Korea.
Seoul said it wants to move beyond traditional development assistance and establish a broader partnership involving technology, infrastructure, talent development and private investment.
The approach reflects South Korea’s growing interest in Africa as both a development partner and an emerging market.

THE ROAD AHEAD FOR AFRICA’S DIGITAL ECONOMY

Africa has one of the world’s youngest populations and a rapidly expanding demand for digital services.
However, gaps in internet access, electricity, digital skills and infrastructure remain major barriers to widespread technology adoption.
The September conference will therefore provide an opportunity for African governments to explore how partnerships with South Korea can help close those gaps while attracting investment into the continent’s growing digital economy.