Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in December 1992, these nations have signed 16 bilateral agreements covering cooperation in sectors such as air transport, protection of investments, taxation, science and technology, mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, extradition, ICT, vocational training and energy. South Africa is the Republic of Korea’s largest trading partner in Africa, while the Republic of Korea is South Africa’s fourth largest trading partner in Asia. Total trade amounted to US$2.3 billion in 2020 with the trade balance in favour of South Africa. South Africa’s exports have also demonstrated an upward trajectory over the years despite the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recognising that there is scope for enhanced cooperation between the Republic of Korea and South Africa (and the Africa region more broadly), this seminar will interrogate areas of mutual interest for future cooperation. It will also present research findings of two forthcoming research papers that examine synergies in climate change and the energy transition; and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
For enquiries, please email:
- Ms. Luanda Mpungose, Outreach and Partnership Manager at SAIIA: Luanda.mpungose@wits.ac.za; or
- Mr. Jongjin Kim, Second Secretary at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea: jjikim18@mofa.go.kr.
Related material:
Presentations:
- South Korea and Africa: Partnerships for Climate and Energy by Ms Hannah Sack.
- Korea- South Africa Cooperation in Green Energy by Dr. Sanghyun Seo.
- Developments in Africa’s Free Trade Area: Opportunities for Korean investors by Mr. Conrad Van Gass and Dr. Joseph Matola.
Reports:
- Korea and Africa: Partnerships on Climate and Energy
- Developments in Africa’s Free Trade Area: Opportunities for Korean Investors
