See the 8 African countries set to partner with South Korea on a new deal

In response to worries over food security on the continent, South Korea is due to sign an agreement with eight African countries the next week to increase rice production and reduce their reliance on imports, according to Agriculture Minister Chung Hwang-Keun.

Additionally, the move coincides with President Yoon Suk Yeol’s commitment to overhaul South Korea’s foreign policy and transform it into a “global pivotal state” that takes a more active part in international affairs.

According to Chung in an interview this week, South Korea will construct facilities under the “K-Ricebelt Project” in Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia, Senegal, Cameroon, Uganda, and Kenya to produce rice seeds that are more suited to local conditions and have yields that are two to three times higher than domestic varieties.

The minister recalled that on repeated trips to Africa beginning in late last year, authorities reminded him that the continent urgently required assistance.

Additionally, the move coincides with President Yoon Suk Yeol’s commitment to overhaul South Korea’s foreign policy and transform it into a “global pivotal state” that takes a more active part in international affairs.

According to Chung in an interview this week, South Korea will construct facilities under the “K-Ricebelt Project” in Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia, Senegal, Cameroon, Uganda, and Kenya to produce rice seeds that are more suited to local conditions and have yields that are two to three times higher than domestic varieties.

The minister recalled that on repeated trips to Africa beginning in late last year, authorities reminded him that the continent urgently required assistance.

“The K-Rice project will bring outstanding rice varieties and hope to the small farmers in Africa suffering from the climate crisis,” Marian Sunhee Yun, the director of the WFP Korea Office, said.