Korea-Africa Foundation to Select Next-Gen Africa Experts for 2026
Seoul, South Korea – The Korea-Africa Foundation (KAF) is bolstering its efforts to cultivate a new generation of African experts, announcing a program to dispatch seven Korean professionals to key institutions across the continent. Applications for the 2026 Young Professionals Acceleration (YPA) program are being accepted until March 26th, according to a statement released by Yonhap News Agency on February 24th.
The initiative aims to strengthen Korea’s engagement with Africa, providing opportunities for Korean professionals to contribute to development projects and foster deeper collaboration. Selected participants will be assigned to organizations including the African Development Bank – African Development Institute (AfDB-ADI) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) for an eleven-month period, beginning in June 2026 and concluding in April 2027.
This program arrives at a moment of increasing strategic importance for Korea-Africa relations. President Lee Jae Myung recently emphasized the need to bolster economic ties with Africa, recognizing the region’s emergence as a significant economic force. The Korea-Africa Foundation itself has been actively working to build these bridges, recently establishing an advisory committee comprised of experts from diverse fields – diplomacy, media, business, academia, culture, and healthcare – to guide its initiatives. The foundation’s work aligns with broader efforts to enhance knowledge exchange and development cooperation, as evidenced by strengthened ties between the African Development Bank Group and Korea.
The YPA program is the latest in a series of initiatives designed to deepen Korean involvement in African development. The Korea Foundation (KF), established in 1991, has been a leading force in promoting Korean culture and fostering international exchange. The KF announced its 2026 Support Programs schedule in August 2025, encompassing a wide range of opportunities, including support for establishing professorships, employing teaching staff, and funding research in areas such as policy and Korean studies. Applications for these programs opened on July 1st, 2025, with deadlines varying by project.
The focus on “next generation policy experts” highlights a strategic effort to build long-term relationships and ensure sustainable collaboration. The YPA program, specifically, offers a practical pathway for Korean professionals to gain firsthand experience working on critical development challenges in Africa. This hands-on approach is intended to foster a deeper understanding of the continent’s needs and priorities, and to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute effectively to future partnerships.
The selection of the AfDB-ADI and GGGI as host institutions underscores Korea’s commitment to supporting Africa’s economic and environmental goals. The AfDB-ADI plays a crucial role in providing research and analytical support to the African Development Bank, while the GGGI focuses on promoting sustainable development and green growth initiatives. By placing Korean professionals within these organizations, the KAF aims to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and expertise, and to contribute to the implementation of impactful projects.
Interested applicants can download the application form from the KAF website (www.k-af.or.kr) and submit it via email to [email protected]. The program represents a significant investment in the future of Korea-Africa relations, reflecting a growing recognition of the continent’s potential and the importance of forging strong, mutually beneficial partnerships.
The Korea-Africa Foundation’s activities are taking place within a broader context of increased international attention towards Africa. The continent is attracting growing investment from various countries and organizations, driven by its abundant natural resources, rapidly growing population, and increasing economic dynamism. Korea’s proactive engagement, through initiatives like the YPA program and the KF’s support programs, positions it to play a key role in shaping Africa’s development trajectory.
The emphasis on fostering a network of “next generation” experts suggests a long-term vision for Korea-Africa cooperation. By investing in the development of young professionals, the KAF aims to create a sustainable pipeline of talent that will continue to drive collaboration and innovation for years to come. This approach reflects a recognition that building strong relationships requires not only economic investment, but also a commitment to human capital development and knowledge sharing.