AfDB, Korea Renew Key Agreement to Support Africa’s Development Transformation
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has renewed a key partnership with the Korea Development Institute (KDI) School of Public Policy and Management, reinforcing cooperation in human capital development and knowledge exchange to support Africa’s socio-economic transformation.
The renewed partnership was formalised in November 2025 during an official visit to the Republic of Korea by AfDB Vice President for People and Talent Management, Mr Jacques Edjangue, who signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) extending collaboration that began in 2014.
The agreement provides opportunities for AfDB staff to gain practical insights from Korea’s development experience and apply them to Africa’s structural transformation and economic growth. It also offers KDI students internship placements at the Bank, promoting a two-way exchange of expertise and knowledge.
Speaking following the signing, Dean of the KDI School of Public Policy and Management, Dr Joon-Kyung Kim, said the renewed MoU strengthens the institutions’ shared commitment to human capital development and sustainable growth.
“This collaboration allows African Development Bank staff to learn from Korea’s development experience while providing KDI students with valuable internship opportunities. We look forward to expanding joint initiatives that support Africa’s inclusive and sustainable development,” Dr Kim said.
During his visit to Seoul and Daejeon, Mr Edjangue held engagements with government institutions, private sector leaders and academic bodies, including the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP), the KDI Global Knowledge Exchange and Development Center (GKEDC), the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), the Korea-Africa Foundation and LG.
He also met with the Dean and Deputy Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors in Korea to share the African Development Bank’s vision for a prosperous, inclusive, dynamic and climate-resilient Africa.
Mr Edjangue further participated in Korea’s annual International Financial Institutions Career Fair, organised by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, where he highlighted the importance of human capital development, technology transfer and international collaboration in driving Africa’s development.
At the event, he encouraged young professionals to apply for the Bank’s Young Professionals Programme and explore opportunities including regular positions, consultancy roles, secondments and internships.
Reflecting on Korea’s development journey, Mr Edjangue said he was impressed by the country’s rapid and inclusive growth, noting similarities between challenges once faced by Korea and those confronting many African countries today.
He said Korea’s leadership in artificial intelligence, robotics, green technologies and culture provides a strong model for African nations seeking to leapfrog into innovation and sustainable development.
He reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Korea through initiatives such as the Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC), the African Development Fund replenishment, the Korea-Africa Energy Investment Framework (KAEIF) and the Knowledge Sharing Programme.
The AfDB delegation included Mr Taurai Musakaruka, Advisor to the Vice President; Ms Yuna Choi, Chief External Relations and Communication Officer; Mr Arthur Amaraho, Principal Human Resources Business Partner; and Ms Ji Young Jang, Consultant.
