The Asia–Africa Center at SNUAC regularly hosts special lectures to promote understanding of Africa and to encourage academic exchange. On April 29, 2026, the Center will host a lecture by Georg Schmidt, the German Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, titled “Germany’s Foreign Policy towards Africa.” The lecture will examine the trajectory and key issues of Germany’s diplomatic engagement with Africa, while also offering an opportunity to consider Africa’s strategic significance and the policy implications that arise within the context of a changing international order.

Ambassador Schmidt has served as Germany’s ambassador to South Korea since August 2023. A career diplomat, he has accumulated extensive experience across multiple regions throughout his service in the German foreign ministry. Prior to his appointment in Seoul, he served as Germany’s ambassador to Thailand from 2018 to 2023, where he oversaw Germany’s diplomatic relations in the Southeast Asian region.

Ambassador Schmidt has developed his diplomatic career with a particular focus on Asia. He holds an M.A. in Far Eastern Area Studies from SOAS University of London and a B.A. in History from The University of Hong Kong.

Drawing on this academic background and extensive diplomatic experience, Ambassador Schmidt brings a broad understanding of international cooperation and foreign policy across multiple regions, including Asia and Africa. In his current role, he contributes to strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural cooperation between Germany and South Korea.