<p>As the sole member of G20 from the African continent, South Africa boasts with the biggest market among the 53 countries in Africa. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of South Africa accounts for approximately 25% of total GDP in Africa and its trade represents 20% of the total African market. Against this backdrop, the Korean government launched its first Knowledge Sharing Program with the South African government in 2011. The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and South African Local Government Association (SALGA) requested the Korean government to work on setting up strategies on (i) how to plan methodologies and tools to build up the integrated infrastructure, and (ii) how to set up rural development strategies targeting three northeastern states in South Africa.</p>
<p>The request for policy advice from DBSA and SALGA reflects the current status of South Africa, which faces issues of regional imbalance and rapid economic development. In order to maximize the efficiency of large-scale investments in infrastructure after hosting the World Cup, Korea seeks to share its know-how regarding economic development, and achieve a more balanced regional development. Therefore, the main purpose of the KSP is to share the development experience that contributed to balanced development and the integrated functioning of the government.</p>