Korea-Africa Foundation Holds South Africa Market Entry Strategy Roundtable Based on Korea-Africa Public Diplomacy

As part of the 2026 Global Market Expansion Program (GMEP), the Korea-Africa Foundation, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in Seoul, held the South Africa Market Entry Strategy Roundtable Based on Korea-Africa Public Diplomacy on Wednesday, July 8. The event was organized for seven Korean climate technology companies preparing to enter the African market to share South Africa's investment environment and market entry strategies, while strengthening practical economic cooperation and business partnerships through Korea-Africa public diplomacy.

During the roundtable, Mr. Kwang Soo Jin, Commercial Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in Seoul, delivered a presentation on South Africa's economic outlook, investment environment, key industries, and government policies, offering strategic insights for Korean companies seeking to enter the South African market. He highlighted South Africa's position as Africa's most advanced industrial and financial hub, as well as its role as a strategic gateway to the continent through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), emphasizing the significant opportunities available for Korean businesses.

The presentation also introduced South Africa's investment environment, focusing on promising sectors such as agriculture and food processing, information and communications technology (ICT), and energy, as well as Special Economic Zones (SEZs), investment incentives, and government support programs. In addition, participants were briefed on investment opportunities linked to major energy policies, including the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), and the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP). These initiatives highlighted opportunities for cooperation with Korean companies in renewable energy, digital transformation, and smart technologies.

Furthermore, the session introduced key institutions supporting investment and innovation in South Africa, including the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Invest SA, the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), and the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA). Participants also learned about government support schemes and collaborative networks available to facilitate market entry, while exchanging practical insights on strategies for expanding into the South African market.

The Korea-Africa Foundation will continue to support the expansion of promising Korean climate technology companies into the African market through the 2026 Global Market Expansion Program (GMEP) while strengthening Korea-Africa economic cooperation and public diplomacy.