The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has renewed its long-standing partnership with the Korea Development Institute (KDI) School of Public Policy and Management to strengthen cooperation in human capital development, skills transfer and knowledge exchange between Africa and Korea.
The new collaboration was officially formalized during an official visit to South Korea in November 2025, when Mr. Jacques Ejang, AfDB Group Vice President for Human Resources and Talent Management, signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Dr. Jun-Kyung Kim, Dean of the KDI School of Public Policy and Management. The partnership was first established in 2014 and expanded as part of the Bank’s broader strategy to strengthen global partnerships to support structural transformation in Africa.
Under the memorandum of understanding, AfDB staff will continue to benefit from hands-on experience with South Korea’s development experience and draw lessons that can be applied to economic growth and institutional reform in Africa. At the same time, KDI students will have internship opportunities at the African Development Bank, creating a two-way flow of expertise between the two institutions.
“The new MOU strengthens our common commitment to human capital development and knowledge exchange,” said Dr. Joon-Kyung Kim. “This will allow AfDB staff to learn from South Korea’s development journey, while providing valuable practical experience for KDI students. We look forward to expanding our joint initiatives to support inclusive and sustainable development in Africa.”
Deepening ties between Korea and Africa
During his visits to Seoul and Daejeon, Vice President Ejange held high-level meetings with government agencies, private sector leaders, and academic institutions, including the Korea Ministry of Economy and Finance, Korea Institute of International Economic Policy (KIEP), KDI Global Knowledge Exchange and Development Center, KAIST, Korea Africa Foundation, and LG.
He also met with the Director and Deputy Director of the African Ambassadors Group to South Korea and outlined the Bank’s vision for a prosperous, inclusive, dynamic, and climate-resilient Africa.
Mr. Ejange participated in the International Financial Institutions Career Fair in South Korea, organized by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and emphasized the importance of human capital, technology transfer, and international cooperation in advancing Africa’s socio-economic transformation.
Investing in future leaders
At the career fair, Ejange encouraged young professionals to apply to the Bank’s Young Professionals Program (YPP) and explore opportunities such as regular jobs, consultancies, secondments, and internships, reaffirming the Bank’s commitment to developing the next generation of development leaders.
Reflecting on South Korea’s experience, he said the country’s transformation offers powerful lessons for Africa.
“South Korea’s development journey is very impressive. A few decades ago, South Korea faced challenges similar to those faced by many African countries today, yet it achieved rapid, inclusive and transformative growth,” Ejang said.
He pointed out that South Korea’s leadership in artificial intelligence, robotics, green technology and creative economy serves as a model for African countries aiming to take a leap towards innovation-driven sustainable development. He reaffirmed the AfDB’s commitment to deepen cooperation through platforms such as KOAFEC, ADF replenishment, KAEIF, and knowledge sharing programs.
The AfDB delegation accompanying Vice President Ejangueh included executives from human resources, external relations, and advisory functions, underscoring the strategic importance of the partnership to the Bank’s long-term talent and talent agenda.
