By Kwon Mee-yoo

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Korea and African countries have joined hands to boost economic and academic ties, trying to expand and diversify the layers of cooperation.

As of the efforts to improve relations, the Korea-Africa Foundation (KAF), an affiliate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which aims to promote relations with African countries in various fields, will host the Korea-Africa Business Forum on Dec. 9 and the Seoul Dialogue on Africa (SDA), Dec. 10.

Lyeo Woon-ki, president of the KAF, said both events are major projects of the foundation, which is seeking to establish practical partnerships between Korea and Africa, especially in terms of economic cooperation after the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was commenced on Jan. 1 this year.

"This year, the Korea-Africa Business Forum is organized to enhance understanding on the AfCFTA and search for new strategies in business cooperation. We expect the forum to establish a foothold for business opportunities between Korea and Africa," Lyeo said.

"We live in an era when coordinated global action and multilateral cooperation is needed more than ever in global issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. The SDA will center on healthcare governance, climate change and peace and security, providing an opportunity for experts and stakeholders in government, academics and the private sector to share ideas and discuss ways for Korea-Africa cooperation."