South Korea seeks to expand diplomatic, trade ties with Africa

South Korea’s recent announcement of the opening of new diplomatic missions in several African nations signals that Seoul aims to commit more resources to a continent that is widely seen as home to some of the world’s fastest-growing markets, according to experts.
When the South Korean government on 7 November announced plans to open 10 new diplomatic missions around the world — including new embassies in Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe, with a smaller office planned for Botswana — there now appears to be a strong focus on developing ties, and most notably trade relations, with African countries. These developments come at a time when many major powers — including the European Union, United States, Russia, Saudi Arabia, India, and China — are paying ever more attention to a continent that is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, as well as natural resources crucial for the world’s transition to a greener economy.
“Korean-African relations have historically been driven by Korea’s need for political clout, access to resources, and promotion of soft power,” said Emilia Columbo, a non-resident senior associate of the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Africa Program in Washington, DC. “More politically conservative Korean presidential administrations have focused on building ties to Africa with an eye towards countering or isolating North Korea, both in international fora and on the African continent,” she added. But, according to Matthew Minsoo Kim, a researcher into Korean-African relations based in Seoul, there are clearly numerous challenges for both South Korea and Africa to consider if they are serious about strengthening this new, developing relationship. As for Seoul, it will need to find ways to encourage its businesses to take advantage of the opportunities available in African markets. African nations, on their part, that are eager to establish economic ties with South Korea would do well to reassure potential investors that their capital and assets will be safe.