When African ministers, investors and business leaders gathered in Seoul in September for the latest Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) Ministerial Conference, artificial intelligence was everywhere.
That was hardly surprising. The official theme of the gathering was "Harnessing AI and Digital Infrastructure for Africa's Transformation", and Korea - home to some of the world's most recognisable technology and industrial groups - has plenty to bring to that conversation.
But beyond the discussions around AI, data centres and digital skills, another story was emerging from Seoul. Korea wants to do more business with Africa. And African governments, for their part, are looking for partners able to bring not only financing, but technology, industrial capacity and long-term investment.
The meeting brought together around 800 participants, including representatives from 45 African countries. It also marked 20 years since KOAFEC was established in 2006 as a platform bringing together Korea, African countries and the African Development Bank.
Originally published by African Business.