Yeongnam National University Leads Africa Development Push

On September 2, 2025, Yeongnam National University in South Korea took center stage in a unique international effort to tackle poverty and drive sustainable development in Africa. With a joint research project dubbed the "Africa transformation initiative," the university, in collaboration with the Korean Ministry of the Interior and Safety, welcomed 28 high-level officials, university professors, and community leaders from three African nations—Central African Republic, Guinea, and Equatorial Guinea—for a ten-day immersive training and research program. The project, which runs from August 27 to September 5, is not just another academic exchange; it is a hands-on, boots-on-the-ground attempt to share the philosophy and practical strategies of the Saemaul Undong, or New Village Movement, a rural development model that played a pivotal role in South Korea’s own modernization.

According to Kyongbuk Ilbo, the participants, representing agencies like the African Development Agency, the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Agriculture, are engaging in a packed schedule of workshops, field visits, and group discussions. The program is designed to move beyond mere theory, focusing on the nuts and bolts of rural development: from agricultural finance and regional value chains to the organization of village leadership. The goal is clear—equip these African leaders with actionable tools and a robust "Action Plan" tailored to the realities of their home countries.

"Saemaul Undong is already recognized by the international community as a model strategy for overcoming poverty," said Yeongnam National University President Choi Oe-chul, as quoted by Kyongbuk Ilbo. "Through this training, we expect participants to gain the capacity to drive change in Africa based on Korea’s development experience."

The Saemaul Undong, launched in the 1970s, was South Korea’s answer to rural poverty and stagnation. Its philosophy—rooted in self-help, diligence, and cooperation—helped transform struggling villages into thriving communities. Now, Yeongnam National University is working to distill those lessons into a format that resonates with today’s global development challenges. As DK Ilbo reports, the university has even formalized the study of Saemaul Undong into an academic discipline, "Saemaul Studies," and has become a leading institution in spreading this knowledge to developing nations.

During the program, the African delegation attends lectures and workshops at Yeongnam’s International Institute for Development Cooperation (IIDC), where they delve into the principles and strategies underpinning the Saemaul Undong. The curriculum covers a wide swath of topics: from the evolution of rural finance and the intricacies of agricultural value chains to the nitty-gritty of organizing village leadership. But it’s not all classroom talk—the participants are also tasked with drafting their own country-specific Action Plans, which they present and refine through group discussions and peer feedback.

"The training is not just about introducing the history and philosophy of the Saemaul Undong," emphasized an IIDC program coordinator, according to Kyongbuk Ilbo. "It’s about drawing up concrete, actionable strategies that can be implemented back home." This approach, the university believes, will help ensure that the lessons learned in Korea don’t just stay in the classroom but translate into tangible improvements in African communities.

Field experience is a cornerstone of the program. The delegation visits local farms in Gyeongsan, the birthplace memorial of the Saemaul Movement in Cheongdo, and the industrial giant POSCO. These site visits allow participants to witness firsthand the transformation that the Saemaul spirit brought to Korean agriculture and industry. For many, it’s an eye-opening look at how a mix of community-driven effort and targeted government support can spark rapid, sustainable development.

Yeongnam’s commitment to this kind of international cooperation is not new. Over the past several decades, the university has provided Saemaul Undong-related education and training to more than 3,400 officials and community leaders from 50 countries, according to DK Ilbo. The IIDC, the university’s hub for international development, has become a beacon for those seeking practical, field-tested solutions to rural poverty and underdevelopment.

The current project, however, represents a deepening of that commitment. As Jeon-guk Maeil Shinmun notes, the university’s efforts are part of a broader national strategy for development cooperation, involving experts like Park Jeong-hwan and Park Seung-woo, and agencies such as the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture. The project’s focus on sustainable regional development and technology transfer is designed not only to help African nations adapt Korean models but also to foster a two-way exchange of ideas and innovations.

One of the most distinctive features of the initiative is its emphasis on participant-driven solutions. Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all model, the program encourages each country’s delegation to analyze their local context and craft an Action Plan that reflects their unique needs and resources. These plans are not shelved at the end of the training; instead, they serve as blueprints for ongoing collaboration between Yeongnam National University, Korean government agencies, and the African participants.

Group photos taken during the program, as reported by News1, capture the sense of camaraderie and shared purpose that has developed among the participants. For many, the experience is as much about building networks and mutual understanding as it is about acquiring technical know-how. The hope is that these relationships will serve as the foundation for future partnerships and joint projects.

Looking ahead, Yeongnam National University has made it clear that its mission is far from over. "We will continue to nurture global talent dedicated to improving the quality of life for all humanity," said President Choi Oe-chul in remarks shared by Kyongbuk Ilbo. The university plans to expand its international development cooperation initiatives, leveraging its expertise in agricultural technology, regional development, and leadership training to make a lasting impact on communities around the world.

With the Africa transformation project, Yeongnam National University is demonstrating what can happen when theory meets practice, and when global cooperation is built on respect, shared learning, and a willingness to adapt. The story unfolding in Gyeongsan this week may well become a new model for how universities and governments can work together to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges—one Action Plan at a time.