Vice Adm. Kim Pankyu & EuroAfricaCCI DG Obasohan Forge Korea–Africa Partnership
Korea–Africa Ties Strengthened as Vice Adm. Kim Pankyu Meets EuroAfricaCCI Director-General
Abuja, Nigeria – 20 May 2025
The European African Chamber of Commerce & Industries (EuroAfricaCCI) welcomed His Excellency Vice Admiral Kim Pankyu (Rtd), Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, for a high-level dialogue with Amb. Dr. Kingsley Obasohan, Director-General of EuroAfricaCCI. The strategic meeting focused on expanding Korea-Africa trade, investment, and technology exchange.
Highlights of the Discussion
- New Korea–Africa Business Council
The two leaders agreed in principle to establish a council that will pair Korean conglomerates and SMEs with African partners in agritech, green energy, and advanced manufacturing. - Digital-Finance Collaboration
EuroAfricaCCI will match Korean fintech innovators with African central-bank sandboxes to accelerate cross-border payments and remittance solutions. - Maritime Security & Blue-Economy Projects
Vice Adm. Kim pledged Korea’s technical support for coastal surveillance, shipbuilding training, and marine-resource development across the Gulf of Guinea. - Capacity-Building Scholarships
A new scholarship track will enable 50 young African professionals annually to pursue postgraduate STEM studies in Seoul beginning in 2026.
“Korea sees Africa not just as a market but as an equal partner in co-creating sustainable prosperity,” Vice Adm. Kim said.
“Today’s accord lays the groundwork for investments that marry Korean technology with Africa’s vast demographic dividend,” added Amb. Dr. Obasohan.
Next Steps
- Joint Working Group – A seven-member task force will draft a formal memorandum of understanding (MoU) within 45 days.
- Trade Mission to Seoul – EuroAfricaCCI will lead a multi-sector delegation to Korea in September 2025 to showcase investable African projects.
- Flagship Pilot – The partners aim to launch a smart-agri pilot in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, integrating Korean IoT sensors and precision-farming systems by Q1 2026.
EuroAfricaCCI expresses its appreciation to both delegations for their commitment to building resilient, innovation-driven bridges between the Republic of Korea and the African continent.