President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, alongside a delegation of top government officials, has arrived in Seoul, South Korea, to participate in the highly anticipated Korea-Africa Summit. Set to commence on Tuesday, June 4, the summit marks a significant milestone in the efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between Liberia, South Korea, and the broader African continent.
Hosted by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, the summit will feature a series of high-level bilateral meetings with heads of state and government representatives from across Africa. The event, running through Wednesday, June 5, promises a comprehensive agenda focused on cooperation and mutual growth.
Liberia stands to gain considerably from this summit through the exchange of information on critical minerals, technological collaboration, and joint exploration initiatives. These areas of focus are particularly vital for Liberia’s economic development and technological advancement.
President Boakai will join leaders from 48 African countries in the summit’s opening session, where he is expected to deliver remarks highlighting Liberia’s strategic priorities and vision for enhanced Korea-Africa relations.
The summit will be co-chaired by African Union Chairperson and Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani. Key events include the Korea-Africa Business Summit, hosted by South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, which will address various aspects of Korea-Africa partnerships.
This summit aligns with President Yoon’s administration’s broader efforts to expand South Korea’s diplomatic and economic footprint in Africa, a region of growing strategic importance. Specific focus areas include the exchange of information on critical minerals, technological collaboration, and joint exploration initiatives.
Africa, home to 60 percent of its population under the age of 25, is the fastest-growing continent by population. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), launched in 2019, represents a major economic entity, covering a market of 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion. Africa’s abundant natural resources further enhance its attractiveness as a trading partner.
Despite this, South Korea currently maintains only 18 embassies in Africa, compared to Japan’s 38 diplomatic outposts. Recognizing the importance of a strong diplomatic presence in facilitating business and economic ties, South Korea is actively seeking to increase its diplomatic footprint across the continent.
During the summit, President Yoon aims to secure multiple agreements with participating countries, laying a foundation for comprehensive cooperation. Liberia is expected to host two business roundtables with Korean investors, focusing on sectors such as manufacturing, shipping, agriculture, fisheries, energy, and technology. These engagements are anticipated to pave the way for significant investment opportunities and collaborative ventures, reinforcing the mutual benefits of a strengthened Korea-Africa partnership.
Over the weekend, Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti facilitated a preparatory meeting that culminated in a joint declaration outlining key areas of cooperation. The meeting saw active participation from African diplomats and foreign ministers, who collectively endorsed the commencement of negotiations for a bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement.
During the preparatory meeting, Minister Nyanti underscored agriculture and education as priority sectors for collaboration. She reiterated Liberia’s commitment to sustained partnerships aimed at fostering a prosperous future for both continents. Minister Nyanti emphasized the need for Korean support in subregional, multi-country, and cross-border initiatives such as the CLGS energy project and highlighted youth employment and climate-smart agriculture as pivotal areas for cooperation.
The official delegation accompanying President Boakai includes:
Senator Abraham Dillion of Montserrado County, Representative Taa Wongbe of District Number Nine, Nimba County, Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Brigadier General (Rtd.) Geraldine George, Minister of Defense, Alexander Nuetah, Minister of Agriculture, Ambassador Blamo Nelson, Liberian Ambassador to Japan and Korea, Jerolinmek M. Piah, Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, Sam Stevquoah, Minister of State Without Portfolio/Special Service.
Others include Dehpue Zuo, Deputy Minister for Economic Management, Ministry of Finance Development Planning, Jeff Blibo, National Investment Commission Chairman, Morley Kamara, Senior Economic Advisor to the Preside
