Korean digital infrastructure companies including DSRV participated in the 'Ethiopia x K-Digital Connect 2026' forum held on the 15th at DSRV headquarters in Gangnam, Seoul, to explore market entry into Ethiopia and broader Africa through Official Development Assistance (ODA) project linkages. DSRV joined World Bank, Korea Eximbank, National Information Society Agency (NIA), and BC Card to discuss local application of digital public infrastructure (DPI), blockchain, and artificial intelligence (AI)-based services. The forum aimed to share Korea's digital transformation model and discuss infrastructure construction cooperation with the visiting Ethiopian government delegation.
World Bank and Korean Agencies Discuss Digital Infrastructure Policy Cooperation
The morning session addressed Ethiopia's digital transformation status and policy cooperation approaches. Binyam M. Shiferaw, World Bank Digital Specialist, stated that "World Bank has supported Ethiopia's digital public infrastructure construction including digital ID and cybersecurity" and added "we will focus on examining Korea's operational experience as digital ID expands into finance, agriculture, and public services."
Jeong Yong-jin, Team Leader at Korea Eximbank, introduced ICT cooperation cases in Africa utilizing the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), including Ethiopia's land information system construction. Geum Jong-hak, NIA Team Leader, proposed applying Korea's e-government construction experience and public-private partnership models to Ethiopia. Geum explained that "if the government actively opens data that only it can possess, such as medical, disaster, and administrative data, the private sector and government can grow the data economy together."
Korea Eximbank Advances $30 Million Land Information System Project in Ethiopia
Jeong Yong-jin specifically mentioned the Ethiopia land information construction project currently being pursued by Korea Eximbank. He stated: "This project invests $30 million (approximately 44.76 billion won) to build a land information database and Land Information Management System (LIMS), and digitize cadastral maps and administrative information." He emphasized that "the goal is to improve public administration efficiency and enhance residents' access to land information."
DSRV Presents Madagascar Blockchain Case and BC Card Shares Payment Infrastructure Experience
Subsequent sessions featured domestic companies sharing local business cases. DSRV introduced a blockchain-based digital agricultural voucher (Agri-eVoucher) demonstration case conducted with the Madagascar government. Seo Byung-yoon, DSRV Co-CEO, stated: "We confirmed the local applicability of blockchain technology and its effectiveness in improving subsidy execution transparency in Madagascar. Based on this, we will expand cooperation with major African countries including Ethiopia to create digital infrastructure export cases."
BC Card presented mobile-based digital payment and settlement infrastructure construction cases, while S2W introduced digital public service protection measures utilizing AI-based cybersecurity technology. Seo added: "We will actively support this forum to serve as an opportunity for domestic AI and digital companies to enter the African market in connection with ODA."
The forum was hosted by the Korea Fintech Industry Association, with participation from domestic digital companies and the visiting Ethiopian government delegation.
FAQ
What did Korean companies discuss at the Ethiopia forum on the 15th?
Korean digital infrastructure companies including DSRV, Korea Eximbank, NIA, and BC Card discussed digital public infrastructure construction, blockchain applications, and AI-based services with Ethiopian government officials and World Bank representatives at the 'Ethiopia x K-Digital Connect 2026' forum held at DSRV headquarters in Seoul.
How much is Korea investing in Ethiopia's land information system project?
Korea Eximbank is pursuing a land information construction project in Ethiopia that invests $30 million (approximately 44.76 billion won) to build a land information database, Land Information Management System (LIMS), and digitize cadastral maps and administrative information to improve public administration efficiency and residents' access to land information.
