KOICA PARTNER PAGE
Investing in Nigeria’s people, skills and systems since 2008.
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is the leading official development cooperation agency of the Republic of Korea. Through grant aid, technical cooperation, capacity development and strategic partnerships, KOICA works with governments and development partners to advance sustainable economic growth, strengthen institutions and improve livelihoods.
In Nigeria, KOICA supports development initiatives spanning digital governance, education and skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation and institutional capacity building.
- 1991
- KOICA established
- 48
- countries, with 49 offices worldwide
- 2008
- KOICA Nigeria Office opens
- 17
- projects in Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Liberia
- US$116M+
- in grant projects since 2013
KOICA NIGERIA
One Nigeria office, three countries.
KOICA was established in 1991 as the Republic of Korea’s grant aid and technical cooperation agency, operational in 48 countries with 49 offices across the globe.
The KOICA Nigeria Office was established in 2008 to extend KOICA’s national and regional cooperation in Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Liberia.
WHERE KOICA WORKS
- Digital governance
- Education and skills
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation
- Institutional capacity
- Health
- Green jobs
- HOME OFFICE
- Nigeria
- ALSO COVERS
- Sierra Leone
- ALSO COVERS
- Liberia
TIMELINE
From 1991 to GROW Nigerian 2026.
- 1991
KOICA is established
The Republic of Korea sets up its grant aid and technical cooperation agency.
- 2008
KOICA Nigeria Office opens
Covering Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Liberia, and starting the capacity building programme (CIAT): in-country training, invitational training and scholarships for Master's and PhD courses, with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
- 2013
Model schools and e-government
Model schools for primary and junior secondary education in the FCT (US$15m), and capacity building for e-government (US$8.56m).
- 2018
Skills and health
The Nigeria Korean Friendship Institute of Vocational and Advanced Technology in Kogi State, and basic medical services for women and girls in Borno State with UNFPA.
- 2020
Foundations for digital governance
A US$13m project with the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, running to 2026.
- 2024WITH SMEDAN
The Start-up Digital Innovation Academy
Strengthening youth and MSMEs: a US$12m project with SMEDAN, 2024 to 2028.
- 2026GROW NIGERIAN
Supporting the National MSME Conference
KOICA supports GROW Nigerian 2026 and the Zero to 100 pitch competition, and starts Green Jobs for Youth in Resilient Agrifood Systems across Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Liberia (US$14m).
WITH SMEDAN · 2024 TO 2028
The Start-up Digital Innovation Academy.
Strengthening youth and MSMEs through the establishment of the Start-up Digital Innovation Academy: a US$12 million KOICA project delivered with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria.
- US$12m
- KOICA grant
- 2024–2028
- project years
- Youth + MSMEs
- who it is for
- SMEDAN
- partner agency
PROJECT PORTFOLIO
17 projects, from 2008 to 2030.
By combining investment in infrastructure with knowledge transfer and human capital development, KOICA seeks to create lasting opportunities for Nigerian communities, young people and businesses.
- Education
- Digital governance
- Health
- Skills and capacity
- Enterprise and trade
- Green jobs and agrifood
Capacity Building Programmes (CIAT): in-country and invitational training, Master's and PhD scholarships
Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning · Nigeria
2008–todayModel Schools for Primary and Junior Secondary Education in the FCT
FCT Administration and Universal Basic Education Commission · Nigeria
2013–2018 · US$15m
Capacity Building of e-Government
Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Public Service Institute of Nigeria · Nigeria
2013–2019 · US$8.56m
Resilience and basic medical services for women and girls in Borno State
UNFPA · Nigeria
2018–2022 · US$5m
Nigeria Korean Friendship Institute of Vocational and Advanced Technology
Kogi State Government · Nigeria
2018–2021 · US$3.5m
Resilient health care services for emergency response preparedness
World Health Organisation · Liberia
2018–2022 · US$5.8m
Global health security: outbreak prevention, detection and response
World Health Organisation · Liberia
2019–2022 · US$7.2m
SheTrades West Africa
International Trade Centre · Sierra Leone and Liberia
2019–2023 · US$2.77m
Green Jobs for Rural Youth Employment
Food and Agriculture Organization · Sierra Leone
2019–2024 · US$1.495m
Building Foundations for Digital Governance in Nigeria
Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy · Nigeria
2020–2026 · US$13m
Multimedia learning environments and teaching capacity in public primary and junior secondary schools
Universal Basic Education Commission · Nigeria
2021–2025 · US$10.4m
Follow-up support for the Nigeria Korean Friendship Institute
Kogi State Government · Nigeria
2021–2025 · US$0.72m
Secondary education for out-of-school girls in the Western Area
ChildFund Korea · Sierra Leone
2023–2025 · US$1.6m
Safe and sustainable primary health care for conflict-affected communities
International Committee of the Red Cross · Nigeria
2023–2025 · US$4m
WITH SMEDANStrengthening Youth and MSMEs: the Start-up Digital Innovation Academy
SMEDAN · Nigeria
2024–2028 · US$12m
Smart Education: teacher training and student growth support
Universal Basic Education Commission · Nigeria
2025–2029 · US$11.5m
Green Jobs for Youth in Resilient Agrifood Systems
Food and Agriculture Organization · Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Liberia
2026–2030 · US$14m
“At KOICA, we believe that empowering entrepreneurs today lays the foundation for a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future.”
AT GROW NIGERIAN 2026
Backing the Zero to 100 pitch competition.
KOICA is proud to support the Zero to 100 Pitch Competition at the National MSME Conference 2026, empowering entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into sustainable businesses, create jobs, and drive inclusive economic growth.
- Supporting partner of GROW Nigerian 2026, 8 to 10 November at the Ecobank Pan African Centre, Lagos
- Pitch sponsor: Zero to 100 has a ₦30 million grant pool
- Ten shortlisted businesses pitch at the semi-finals on Day 2, 9 November
- The live final is on Day 3, 10 November
Learn more about KOICA in Nigeria.
KOICA's programmes, partners and opportunities across Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Liberia.