South Korea and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have agreed to establish a Korea–Africa Artificial Intelligence Hub aimed at accelerating the adoption and development of artificial intelligence across Africa.
The agreement was signed on September 9, 2026, in Seoul, during the 8th Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) Ministerial Conference. AfDB President Sidi Ould Tah and South Korea’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economy Koo Yun-cheol signed the Letter of Intent.
The planned hub is expected to be based in Korea and will connect Korea’s technology and AI capabilities with the AfDB’s network across Africa. It will bring together governments, financial institutions, universities, research centres and businesses to develop and finance AI and digital projects on the continent.
The partnership will focus on areas including AI infrastructure, digital skills, data governance, digital public infrastructure, research and technical assistance. The AfDB and Korea also intend to identify investment opportunities that can support African start-ups and innovation-driven businesses.
The AfDB estimates that AI could contribute up to $1 trillion to Africa’s GDP from 2035, provided the continent makes significant investments in computing capacity, electricity, connectivity, data, skills and appropriate governance frameworks.
The initiative comes as Korea and African countries place greater emphasis on using AI in agriculture, healthcare, education, energy, transport and public services. South Korea has also announced plans for an advanced technology training institute in Tanzania focused on AI, robotics and data analysis.
The partnership forms part of a broader 2027–2028 Korea-Africa action plan focused on AI, digital infrastructure, human capital, energy and private-sector investment.
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