South Korea is actively engaging the African continent, as Yoon Suk-yeol has demonstrated a desire to shore up ties with various states in sub-Saharan Africa, citing shared democratic values and economic interests across the continent. 

Yoon acknowledged South Korea’s long-standing neglect of its diplomatic ties with African states when he spoke at the “Together with Africa” summit — a reception for Kenyan President William Ruto and other African ambassadors — on Nov. 23. 

He vowed that the ROK would serve as a partner to African countries and focused on the potential for cooperation in business and healthcare. Following the summit,