DECIPHERING KOREA BILATERAL AID TO AFRICA: COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN KENYA AND TANZANIA FROM 2005 TO 2014

Abstract

Abstract DECIPHERING KOREA BILATERAL AID TO AFRICA: COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN KENYA AND TANZANIA FROM 2005 TO 2014

Ali Mohamed Mambo International Area Studies Graduate School of International Studies Seoul National University

Initially Korean ODA was focused in geographically proximity areas within Asian region, however, in the recent past, the focus is gradually shifting to Africa. Whether it is catching up with her Asian neighbours Japan and China or it is a genuine desire to contribute and uplift African countries out of poverty is not clear. Korea provides an interesting example of a country that understands foreign aid in its dual form (as a recipient and a donor). Developing countries wish to emulate albeit with modifications the Korean economic prosperity experience. The main objective of this study is to find out why is Korea increasing bilateral aid to Africa?, a comparative case study between Kenya and Tanzania was used to decipher. Ricourian model was used to carry out comparative three levels of analysis, economic, political and social factor which could influence increase in aid allocation to Tanzania and not Kenya. The model was used because it affords the opportunity to carry out level of analysis of the factors in play.

In this study we found that even though social, political and economic factors influence aid increase in Tanzania, economic factors carry more weight than the other two factors. From these results we can infer that, the increase in Korean bilateral aid to Africa is motivated by economic interests. The findings of the study supports the hypothesis that economic reasons is the main motivation for increase of Korea bilateral aid to Africa.

Keywords: Bilateral aid, Deciphering, Kenya, Tanzania, Official Development Assistance (ODA), Economic, Political, Motivation. Student Number: 2015-25104