The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has reiterated its dedication to strengthening its development partnership with Nigeria. At the 2026 KOICA Media Engagement Forum, KOICA Country Director Eunsub Kim emphasized the agency's focus on addressing Nigeria's development needs while creating sustainable opportunities and strengthening institutions. This partnership encompasses various sectors, including education, agriculture, governance, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and skills development. KOICA's initiatives aim to promote inclusive and sustainable development in Nigeria.
KOICA has collaborated with the Nigerian Government and stakeholders on several projects. One notable initiative is the Green Jobs for Youth in Resilient Agrifood Systems Programme, which equips young Nigerians with skills and opportunities for green employment and entrepreneurship. Another project is the Start-up Digital Innovation Academy Project, aimed at strengthening Nigeria's start-up and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises ecosystem. These initiatives demonstrate KOICA's commitment to supporting Nigeria's economic growth and development.
In the education sector, KOICA has implemented the Smart School Project Phase II in partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). This project supports teacher training, digital learning, and technology-enabled education across 21 states. The agency has also launched the Digital Governance Project to improve institutional systems and build capacity for digital governance in Nigeria. These projects reflect KOICA's focus on education and digital transformation in Nigeria.
KOICA's CIAT Fellowship Programme has benefited around 2,000 Nigerian government officials. The programme provides participants with opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills while learning from Korea's development experience. This initiative aims to build capacity and promote sustainable development in Nigeria. KOICA's efforts focus on creating long-term impact and sustainability in its development projects.
Senior Deputy Country Director of KOICA, Ki-hyun Balk, highlighted the agency's expanded engagement with Nigerian scholarship beneficiaries. KOICA launched the KOICA Dialogue podcast in 2025 to give beneficiaries a platform to share their experiences, cultural insights, and knowledge gained during their studies in South Korea. This initiative promotes experience-sharing and policy dialogue among beneficiaries.
Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, Aisha Garba, commended KOICA for its continued support for education, digitalisation, and capacity development in Nigeria. Garba praised the Smart School Project, citing its use of technology to improve learning and engage communities around project locations. The Federal Capital Territory Education Secretariat is considering extending the smart-school initiative to secondary schools.
KOICA will continue working with Nigerian government institutions, development partners, beneficiaries, and stakeholders to promote inclusive and sustainable development. The agency aims to expand opportunities through innovation, skills development, and digital technology. KOICA's commitment to Nigeria's development reflects its dedication to creating a lasting impact in the country.
Key points
- KOICA has collaborated with Nigeria on various projects, including education, agriculture, and digital transformation.
- The agency's initiatives aim to promote inclusive and sustainable development in Nigeria.
- KOICA's projects have benefited around 2,000 Nigerian government officials through the CIAT Fellowship Programme.
