PM Abiy underscores need to lay groundwork for Korea Africa Institute of Science and Technology

Addis Ababa, June 4, 2024 (FBC) – In his remarks at the first Korea-Africa Summit, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), stated that the ties between Africa and Korea date back to the Korean War of the early 1950s fostering a strong partnership rooted in collective security.

“Ethiopia emerged as a significant ally to Korea, contributing the Kagnew Infantry Battalion to protect freedom of the Korean Peninsula during the war,” the Prime Minister noted.

Over the years, our cooperation has expanded to encompass various sectors for mutual development. In the current global landscape, Africa and Korea must align priorities to address development and security shortfalls, he underscored.

The summit offers an opportunity to envision a future blueprint for partnership and to strengthen our synergy for shared growth and sustainability, the Premier said.

Despite challenges, Africa demonstrates economic dynamism, prioritizing integration and paving its own path towards a prosperous future.

Ethiopia, in particular, has taken proactive steps to address food, climate and energy crisis. Initiatives like the Green Legacy and food sovereignty efforts underscore our commitment to sustainable and green growth.

As part of the continental efforts to achieve the African Union Agricultural Transformation Agenda, Ethiopia has played an inspirational role in increasing wheat productivity.

Our performance in wheat production indicates that Africa has a potential to shape the future of food globally.

Informed by agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area, the continent is poised to harness its economic potential, aiming to become a key growth node in the global economy through integrated industrial productivity.

Africa seeks to leverage Korea’s expertise in manufacturing to enhance industrial capacity. Ethiopia’s investments in industrial parks are aligned with the vision and offer opportunities for Korean industries to establish manufacturing plants leveraging our abundant, skilled youth workforce and significant market potential, the Premier outlined.

Prime Minister Abiy emphasized the importance of tailoring the platform to meet Africa’s specific needs, particularly in fostering innovative, smart, green, value-added and digital economies.

In order to strengthen and shape the future of the Korea – Africa Partnership, the Premier proposed three key initiatives centered on sustainable and shared growth in various sectors.

Prime Minister Abiy stressed the need to lay the groundwork for a Korea Africa Institute of Science and Technology. “This would streamline technology transfer and foster collaborative research towards industrialization. By pinpointing common interests, we can kick start cooperative projects and programs aimed at nurturing industrial and economic development across Africa. At the seat of the African Union and Ethiopia’s prioritization of the ICT sector, Addis Ababa stands ready to welcome such an institute.”

He also called for a comprehensive cooperation for smart mobility would be mutually beneficial. “This initiative will focus on advancing smart and sustainable urban development throughout Africa. It involves implementing intelligent transportation systems, promoting the adoption of electric and smart vehicles and fostering smart city partnerships to address mobility challenges effectively.”

Ethiopia is prioritizing transformation of gray to green cities through various sustainability interventions including restricting the import of non-electric vehicles.

Prime Minister also underscored the need to strengthen partnerships on artificial intelligence and technological innovations to expedite digital transformation across all sectors and create new sector. “This is crucial for enhancing efficiency and driving economic growth and improving the quality of lives by leveraging cutting-edge technologies to address complex challenges and unlock new opportunities,” he explained.

The Premier further proposed an action plan for resilient food security which enables synchronization of African food sovereignty efforts with Korean smart farming technologies to boost agricultural productivity while advocating for smart and sustainable farming practices.

“I am confident that expanded development cooperation with the Korea Africa platform will significantly contribute to the fostering of innovative, smart, green and value added and digitalized growth,” the Prime Minister further underscored.