The Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in the Republic of Korea joined fellow African diplomatic missions in commemorating the 2026 Africa Day Celebration held at the Grand Hyatt Seoul.

The event, organized in collaboration with the African Group of Ambassadors, the Embassy of Rwanda in Korea, and the Korea-Africa Foundation, brought together diplomats, government officials, students, and cultural stakeholders to celebrate Africa’s unity, heritage, and growing partnership with the Republic of Korea.

This year’s celebration was held under the African Union’s 2026 theme: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve Agenda 2063.” The occasion highlighted Africa’s commitment to sustainable development, regional integration, and stronger international cooperation.

Speaking during the ceremony, Moroccan Ambassador Chafik Rachadi, Dean of the African Ambassadors Group, emphasized the strengthening strategic partnership between Africa and South Korea. He described the upcoming Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting scheduled for June as a major step toward deepening diplomatic and economic relations between both sides.

The celebration also showcased vibrant cultural exchanges between Africa and Korea, demonstrating how African culture and Korean culture can harmoniously connect through creativity and diplomacy. Activities included fashion displays blending African attire with the Korean hanbok, live musical performances, exhibitions, and networking sessions aimed at promoting unity and collaboration between Africa, Korea, and the wider Global South.

Sierra Leone’s participation was further strengthened by the presence of Sierra Leonean students and members of the Sierra Leone Student Union in Korea, including Ms. Amie Jim Issa and Mr. Benjamin Tibie, whose involvement added youthful energy and national pride to the occasion.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Cho Tae-yul, congratulated African countries for their continued pursuit of peace, solidarity, and prosperity since the establishment of the Organization of African Unity, now known as the African Union. He reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to expanding friendship and cooperation with African nations.

Minister Cho also reflected on his previous diplomatic assignments in the Central African Republic and Senegal, describing Africa as a continent full of opportunities, youthful dynamism, and growing global significance.

He stressed the importance of strengthening Korea-Africa cooperation in key sectors including agriculture, digitalization, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and peacebuilding. According to him, Africa continues to play an increasingly important role in addressing global geopolitical and supply chain challenges.

The Korean Foreign Minister further highlighted the forthcoming Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Seoul, which is expected to review progress made since the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit while enhancing economic and diplomatic partnerships between Korea and African nations.

The Africa Day celebration served as an important platform for advancing Africa-Korea relations, encouraging cultural exchange, and promoting international cooperation. The Embassy of Sierra Leone expressed pride in joining other African nations to celebrate the continent’s shared heritage, diversity, and collective vision for sustainable development.

By Michaella Bonnie

Information Attaché

Embassy of Sierra Leone, Seoul