South Korea Shifts Development Focus from Aid to Critical Minerals in Africa

South Korea's new president, Lee Jae-myung, has cut official development assistance by 24% and redirected funding towards AI and critical minerals, reflecting a shift from humanitarian aid to supply chain security. The South Korea-Africa Critical Minerals Dialogue and other initiatives continue, but humanitarian aid has been significantly reduced. As African states diversify partnerships, the sustainability of this transactional approach is uncertain, raising questions about South Korea's influence in the region.

Published Mar 27, 2026

South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung has reduced official development assistance (ODA) by 24% in his inaugural December 2025 budget, shifting focus from humanitarian aid to AI and critical minerals. This change follows former President Yoon Suk-yeol's commitment to double aid to Africa by 2030.

AI-curated by Theia

Significant reductions in humanitarian assistance (down 51.4%) contrast with increased funding for diplomatic exchanges. The budget also allocates 250 billion won for local companies developing overseas mines.

South Korea's strategy aims to secure critical minerals essential for AI development amidst rising resource nationalism in Africa. Cooperation agreements with Tanzania and Madagascar reflect this focus, but the approach raises concerns about a transactional relationship with African states, which may seek diverse partnerships.