AfDB Renews Korea Partnership to Boost Skills and Knowledge Exchange

Under the MOU, AfDB staff will continue to benefit from practical exposure to Korea’s development experience, drawing lessons applicable to Africa’s economic growth and institutional reform.

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has renewed a long-standing partnership with the Korea Development Institute (KDI) School of Public Policy and Management, reinforcing cooperation on human capital development, skills transfer and knowledge exchange between Africa and the Republic of Korea.

The renewed collaboration was formalised during an official visit to Korea in November 2025, when Jacques Edjangue, AfDB Group Vice President for People and Talent Management, signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Dr. Joon-Kyung Kim, Dean of the KDI School of Public Policy and Management. The partnership, first established in 2014, has been extended as part of the Bank’s broader strategy to strengthen global partnerships that support Africa’s structural transformation.

Under the MOU, AfDB staff will continue to benefit from practical exposure to Korea’s development experience, drawing lessons applicable to Africa’s economic growth and institutional reform. At the same time, KDI students will gain internship opportunities at the African Development Bank, creating a two-way flow of expertise between the two institutions.

“The renewed MOU strengthens our shared commitment to human capital development and knowledge exchange,” said Dr. Joon-Kyung Kim. “It allows AfDB staff to learn from Korea’s development journey while offering KDI students valuable hands-on experience. We look forward to expanding joint initiatives that support Africa’s inclusive and sustainable development.”

Deepening Korea–Africa engagement

During his visit to Seoul and Daejeon, Vice President Edjangue held high-level meetings with government agencies, private sector leaders and academic institutions, including Korea’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP), the KDI Global Knowledge Exchange & Development Center, KAIST, the Korea-Africa Foundation, and LG.

He also met with the Dean and Deputy Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors in Korea, outlining the Bank’s vision for a prosperous, inclusive, dynamic and climate-resilient Africa.

Edjangue participated in Korea’s International Financial Institutions Career Fair, organised by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, where he highlighted the importance of human capital, technology transfer and international collaboration in advancing Africa’s socio-economic transformation.

Investing in future leaders

At the Career Fair, Edjangue encouraged young professionals to apply for the Bank’s Young Professionals Program (YPP) and explore opportunities across regular roles, consultancies, secondments and internships, reaffirming AfDB’s focus on nurturing the next generation of development leaders.

Reflecting on Korea’s experience, he said the country’s transformation offers powerful lessons for Africa.

“Korea’s development journey is deeply impressive. A few decades ago, it faced challenges similar to those confronting many African countries today, yet it achieved rapid, inclusive and transformative growth,” Edjangue said.

He noted that Korea’s leadership in artificial intelligence, robotics, green technologies and the creative economy provides a model for African nations seeking to leapfrog into innovation-driven and sustainable development. He reaffirmed AfDB’s commitment to deepening cooperation through platforms such as KOAFEC, ADF replenishments, KAEIF, and the Knowledge Sharing Program.

The AfDB delegation accompanying Vice President Edjangue included senior officials from human resources, external relations and advisory functions, underscoring the strategic importance of the partnership for the Bank’s long-term people and talent agenda.