Did you know that a staggering number of 20,000 Koreans visited Republic of Zambia (Zambia) in 2017 alone(Park)? Koreans might only think of Zambia as a faraway country rich with minerals, but embassy officials from both countries are putting their best effort to improve their friendship and economic cooperation. Zambia demonstrates interest in Korean culture including Kpop and Kdrama (statista). As an exchange, Korean firms noticed Zambia as a lucrative business opportunity.

One example of such firm is Samsung. According to The Korea Post, when Samsung initiated its operation in Zambia in 2010, Samsung Zambia demonstrated high performance that it became a regional hub in 2014. Samsung Zambia now monitors its branches in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Malawi. Samsung Zambia was also the first Afrcian country to launch Galaxy S6 Edge Plus and Galaxy Note 5 in 2015 (Omondi). Since Samsung’s success, more Korean businesses are recognizing Zambia’s competitiveness and profitability. Zambian Ambassador Wylbur Chisiya Simuusa even stated that Korean business delegation takes trips to Zambia to explore its investment and business potential.


Figure 1 Samsung Zambia at CAF Confederation Cup
One of Korean Foreign Ministry’s key tasks is to improve and increase the trade relationship with Zambia. With Zambia’s natural resources and Korea’s sophisticated machinery, both countries will complement each other’s weaknesses and witness mutual benefits. Korean citizens could also take interest in Zambia and vice versa, catalyzing social and cultural exchange.

References:
http://www.koreapost.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=7779
https://newafricadaily.com/south-korea-and-zambia-two-countries-two-economic-destinies
https://www.statista.com/statistics/956117/south-korea-kpop-popularity-in-south-africa/
https://innov8tiv.com/samsung-zambia-becomes-first-african-country-to-launch-samsung-galaxy-s6-edge-plus-and-galaxy-note-5/

Image Reference:
https://twitter.com/SamsungZambia/status/565450631809597440