Kairuki pushes stronger Africa-Korea tech cooperation for Growth

SEOUL: Minister for Information and Communication Technology Angellah Kairuki has called for stronger cooperation between African countries and South Korea in artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure, technology and skills transfer, saying technological opportunities must translate into investment, employment and inclusive economic growth.

Speaking in Seoul at the opening of the eighth Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) Conference, Kairuki said Tanzania considers digital transformation a key pillar of economic development and an important component of achieving the objectives of the National Development Vision 2050.

She said Tanzania continues to prioritise affordable internet access, stronger data centres, digital skills development and expanded use of AI in key sectors, including agriculture, healthcare and financial services.

Kairuki highlighted the establishment of the Digital Technology Institute (DTI) in Dodoma as a key initiative demonstrating strengthening Tanzania-South Korea cooperation.

The institute is being developed through a US$167.37 million loan from South Korea’s Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF).

She called for increased investment in Africa’s technology sector and stronger technology and skills transfer between South Korea and African countries

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She also urged greater collaboration between South Korean technology companies and African innovators, saying such partnerships could promote innovation and accelerate technology-based solutions to development challenges.

The minister said closer cooperation should focus on converting technological advances into practical opportunities for citizens, particularly through investment and employment

. She thanked the South Korean government and African Development Bank for organising the conference, held as Korea-Africa cooperation marks its 20th anniversary.

Kairuki said Tanzania was ready to translate the conference’s outcomes into new investment opportunities, increased employment and broad-based economic growth benefiting citizens.

She said stronger partnerships in technology, infrastructure, innovation and skills development would help African countries harness digital transformation while deepening cooperation with South Korea and supporting their development.

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