▲ This photo, captured from the website of Vilacesti Inc., shows its founder, Victor Lawrence. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

(Yonhap Interview) African entrepreneur

(Yonhap Interview) Vilacesti chief eyes smart tech hub in Ghana linking S. Korea, Africa

SEOUL, June 1 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's prowess in smart infrastructure and innovative technologies will serve as a key foundation for a Ghana-based smart industrial park construction project aimed at building a long-term bridge between South Korea and Africa, the head of the initiative said.

Victor Lawrence, who leads Vilacesti -- a smart industrial, and science and technology park development project under way in Ghana's Greater Accra Region -- made the remarks in a recent written interview with Yonhap News Agency.

"Our vision combines smart infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven technologies, startup incubation, education, research collaboration and international partnerships, especially between Korea and Africa, to help position Ghana and Africa for the industries of the future," Lawrence said.

His company recently acquired about 1,000 acres of land near Ghana's capital, Accra, and has been building "strong relationships with stakeholders" in both countries, while expanding discussions with potential investors and partners.

Stressing his goal of creating an "ecosystem" combining research, innovation and business, he said the project plans to develop a "Korea Technology Town" designed to support Korean firms from market entry to supply chain integration and local partnerships.

"We want Vilacesti to become a practical landing platform for Korean companies entering Africa, including small and medium-sized enterprises, and startups," Lawrence said. "That spirit of collaboration is what we hope to bring to the Vilacesti model as we build a long-term bridge between Korea and Africa."

The chief said he expects the project to become operational within the next 10 years, creating more than 100,000 jobs and helping drive Ghana's industrial transformation and economic growth.

"Korea and Africa have much to offer one another. Korea brings extraordinary experience in industrialization, technology, education and infrastructure development. Africa brings youthful energy, rapidly growing markets, creativity and enormous future potential," Lawrence said.

Reflecting on his background as an engineer in Ghana, Lawrence said he has long been interested in supporting his country and the broader African continent, realizing that lasting prosperity could not be achieved simply through raw material exports or reliance on foreign aid.

"Korea's story is one of vision, discipline, education, innovation and long-term national commitment. One of the most important lessons from Korea is that human capital matters more than natural resources," Lawrence said.

"That experience convinced me that Africa can also leap forward -- not by repeating the past, but by building a smarter, more connected future."

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