Egyptian Minister Calls for South Korea‑Africa Industrial Shift

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has called for a fundamental shift in relations between South Korea and Africa, urging a move away from aid-based ties toward industrial partnerships built on technology transfer and investment. The minister made the remarks during the Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers Meeting in Seoul, a gathering of representatives from 50 African nations and continental bodies aimed at strengthening cooperation ahead of a planned 2029 summit.

Abdelatty argued that Africa’s economic transformation and job creation depend on acquiring industrial know-how. He identified manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, automotive production, artificial intelligence, and digitalization as priority areas. The minister stressed that future cooperation should be judged by concrete outcomes, including increased trade, investment, and the localization of industry.

A key part of Egypt’s proposal involves leveraging its strategic position. Abdelatty highlighted Egypt’s network of free trade agreements, including with the European Union, Arab nations, and under the African Continental Free Trade Area. He urged Korean companies to establish a dedicated industrial zone within Egypt’s...