When I served as Korea’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, I witnessed first-hand how disciplined policy, industrial ambition, and international cooperation can, within a single generation, transform a nation.
Korea’s development story is not a template to be exported. It is an experience to be shared — honestly, respectfully, and in partnership.
Africa is not a frontier to be entered. It is a rising economic bloc of sovereign nations, each with its own institutional depth, cultural identity, and strategic priorities. AKEDA exists to honor that reality: to convene African leadership and Korean capability around programs that Africans define, own, and lead.
Formed under Korea’s Ministry of Finance and Economy, AKEDA carries an institutional mandate — but our work is fundamentally human. It is about people, knowledge, and long-horizon trust.
On behalf of our members, advisors, and partner governments, I invite you to build with us.
H.E. Dr. Kwon O-Kyu, Chairman
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H.E. Dr. Kwon O-Kyu is Chairman of AKEDA and a former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economy of the Republic of Korea. His public-service career includes service as Korea’s Ambassador to the OECD and senior economic and policy roles in the Office of the President. He brings experience in national economic policy, public administration and international cooperation to AKEDA’s engagement with African and Korean institutions.
He studied economics at Seoul National University, earned a master’s degree at the University of Minnesota and holds a doctorate in economics from Chung-Ang University. His background informs AKEDA’s approach to sharing Korea’s development experience in support of African national priorities.