Korea Country Report 2023

Abstract

Korea is the world’s most R&D intensive country with a GERD of 4.93% according to UNESCO and is a global leader in innovation and transformative technologies for jobs and skills development. Korea’s development experience and technical expertise can be adapted in priority sectors in Africa for inclusive and sustainable development. Korea is contributing to the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) of the Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET), since 2018. Its contribution of USD 9 million is through the Korea-World Bank Group Partnership Facility to train Sub-Saharan African PhD students and to provide pilot grants for research and innovation projects in strategic high potential sectors. The partnership between the Government of Korea, universities and PASET-Rsif contribute to boost exchange between African and Korean universities, researchers and faculties in the science and technology area. Through PASET-Rsif Korea will share its development experience and technical expertise to build strong institutions and future science leaders to drive science and technology-led growth and inclusive sustainable development. The report turns the spotlight on African Rsif scholars in Korea, their research contribution to sustainable development and also highlight a collaborative research project for clean and safe water in Eastern Africa.