S. Korea vows closer cooperation with African partners at KOAFEC meeting

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SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Wednesday unveiled detailed plans to strengthen cooperation with African nations in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies through initiatives, such as the K-AI Package, alongside measures to improve infrastructure across the continent.

The Ministry of Finance and Economy outlined the measures during the four-day Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) meeting, which opened in Seoul on Tuesday and brought together ministerial-level delegations from 45 African nations to discuss cooperation in the AI and digital sectors.

KOAFEC, a consultative body established by South Korea and African countries in 2006, marks its 20th anniversary this year.

One of the main items on the agenda was the K-AI Package, which aims to provide AI solutions, data centers and power infrastructure in connection with projects under the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF).

"South Korea has gained experience and know-how through its transformation from an underdeveloped nation into an advanced country," Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said during a press conference. "This cannot be obtained simply by purchasing computers or building data centers."

Koo added the country's unique position makes it a suitable partner for Africa in advancing AI.

"South Korea can apply its distinctive development know-how to AI," the finance minister added, comparing Seoul's assistance with that offered by other countries, such as China.

Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol speaks during a press conference at the Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) held in Seoul on Sept. 9, 2026, in this photo released by the Ministry of Finance and Economy. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Koo and Sidi Ould Tah, president of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), also discussed applying AI technologies to public services and building digital and power infrastructure during a roundtable gathering, according to the finance ministry.

The session explored how the technology could support Africa's agriculture and healthcare sectors, along with ways to develop data centers and secure electricity supplies.

Participants adopted a joint declaration for the 2026 KOAFEC, pledging continued cooperation in industry, education, healthcare and agriculture, with a focus on digital infrastructure.

South Korea and the AfDB additionally signed a letter of intent to establish the Korea-Africa AI Hub, which would combine Seoul's AI capabilities with the bank's networks to promote AI transformation.

Asia's No. 4 economy held detailed discussions on bilateral projects with Tanzania and Botswana.

The establishment of an AI education institution in Tanzania was selected as the first project under the K-AI Package, the finance ministry said.

Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol (on screen) speaks during the Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) meeting held in Seoul on Sept. 9, 2026, in this photo released by the Ministry of Finance and Economy. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

colin@yna.co.kr (END)

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S. Korea vows closer cooperation with African partners at KOAFEC meeting

这将使谷歌能够向您展示与您的搜索匹配或相关的韩联社新闻文章。

首尔，9月9日（韩联社）——韩国周三公布了详细计划，旨在通过“K-AI一揽子计划”等举措，加强与非洲国家在人工智能（AI）和数字技术领域的合作，同时采取措施改善整个非洲大陆的基础设施。

韩国财政经济部在为期四天的韩国-非洲经济合作（KOAFEC）会议上概述了相关措施。该会议于周二在首尔开幕，来自45个非洲国家的部长级代表团齐聚一堂，讨论人工智能和数字领域的合作。

韩国与非洲国家于2006年成立的协商机构KOAFEC今年迎来成立20周年。

议程上的主要项目之一是 K-AI 一揽子计划，该计划旨在为经济发展合作基金 (EDCF) 下的项目提供人工智能解决方案、数据中心和电力基础设施。

韩国财政部长具允哲在新闻发布会上表示：“韩国从欠发达国家转型为发达国家的过程中积累了丰富的经验和专业知识。这些经验和知识并非仅仅通过购买电脑或建设数据中心就能获得的。”

Koo补充说，该国独特的地理位置使其成为非洲推进人工智能的合适合作伙伴。

“韩国可以将自身独特的研发专长应用于人工智能领域，”财政部长补充道，并将首尔提供的援助与其他国家（如中国）提供的援助进行了比较。

2026年9月9日，韩国财政部长具润哲在首尔举行的韩非经济合作（KOAFEC）新闻发布会上发表讲话。此照片由韩国财政经济部发布。（照片非卖品）（韩联社）

据财政部消息，库和非洲开发银行集团（非行）行长西迪·乌尔德·塔赫在一次圆桌会议上还讨论了将人工智能技术应用于公共服务以及建设数字和电力基础设施的问题。

会议探讨了这项技术如何支持非洲的农业和医疗保健行业，以及如何发展数据中心和保障电力供应。

与会者通过了 2026 年韩国农业、食品和环境大会 (KOAFEC) 联合宣言，承诺在工业、教育、医疗卫生和农业领域继续开展合作，重点是数字基础设施。

韩国和非洲开发银行还签署了一份意向书，计划建立韩国-非洲人工智能中心，将首尔的人工智能能力与该银行的网络相结合，以促进人工智能转型。

亚洲第四大经济体与坦桑尼亚和博茨瓦纳就双边项目进行了详细磋商。

财政部表示，在坦桑尼亚建立人工智能教育机构被选为K-AI一揽子计划下的第一个项目。

这张由韩国财政经济部发布的照片​​显示，韩国财政部长具允哲（图中人物）于2026年9月9日在首尔举行的韩非经济合作（KOAFEC）会议上发表讲话。（照片非卖品）（韩联社）

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韩国在KOAFEC会议上承诺与非洲伙伴加强合作