TICAD 9 Opens in Yokohama, japan, Pledging New Era of Africa–Japan Collaboration
Table of Contents
Yokohama, Japan – The ninth Tokyo International Conference on african Development (TICAD 9) commenced on august 20th, bringing together leaders from across Africa and Japan to address pressing challenges and forge new partnerships. The conference, held in Yokohama City, signals a renewed commitment to African-led development and collaborative solutions.
A Legacy of Partnership: Understanding TICAD
Established in 1993, the Tokyo international Conference on African Development (TICAD) has served as a pivotal forum for dialog and cooperation between Japan and African nations. [[1]] This year’s iteration, TICAD 9, places particular emphasis on “co-creation” – a strategy of jointly developing solutions tailored to the unique needs of the African continent. The conference builds upon decades of Japanese investment and support for African development initiatives.
Opening Ceremony Highlights: key Announcements and Addresses
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and acting co-chair Fumio Kishida led the opening ceremony, attended by representatives from 49 African countries, including 33 heads of state and government, alongside delegates from international organizations and the private sector. Prime Minister Ishiba underscored Japan’s long-standing belief in Africa’s potential and pledged continued support as a reliable partner.
Ishiba emphasized the importance of locally-rooted solutions and highlighted three core areas for collaboration: sustainable, private sector-led growth; empowerment of youth and women; and enhanced regional integration. He then unveiled a series of strategic initiatives designed to bolster these areas.
New Initiatives Unveiled at TICAD 9
Several key initiatives were announced during the opening ceremony, demonstrating Japan’s commitment to tangible action. These include:
- The promotion of the “Japan Africa Co-Creation for industry” initiative, fostering joint ventures between African startups and Japanese companies.
- An expansion of the “Enhanced Private Sector Assistance for Africa (EPSA)” program, increasing its capacity to $5.5 billion.
- The mobilization of $1.5 billion in impact investments through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
- A commitment to train 300,000 individuals over the next three years, with a focus on artificial intelligence and data science skills.
- Investment incentives for the African healthcare sector through the “african Healthcare Investment Promotion Package.”
- A pledge of up to $550 million over five years to the GAVI Vaccine Alliance, supporting vaccine access across Africa.
- Support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to enhance regional integration.
- The establishment of a Public-Private-Academia Joint Study Group to strengthen economic partnerships.
- The launch of the “Economic Region Initiative of Indian Ocean-Africa” to promote trade and investment.
- efforts to foster peace, growth, and stability through the ”Africa Mine Action Platform” and the promotion of Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) initiatives.
Did You No?
TICAD is a unique forum in that it is entirely African-owned and African-led, with the African Union Commission playing a central role in shaping its agenda.
President João manuel Gonçalves lourenço of Angola, co-chair of TICAD 9 and Chairperson of the African Union, expressed gratitude for Japan’s ongoing partnership and emphasized the need for sustainable financing mechanisms to address Africa’s development challenges. He specifically highlighted the importance of investments in health, education, food security, infrastructure, trade, and digitalization.
Keynote addresses were also delivered by UN secretary-General António Guterres, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, UNDP Under-Secretary-General Haoliang Xu, and IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop.
Plenary Session 1: Prioritizing Peace and Stability
The first plenary session, focused on peace and stability, featured remarks from former Prime Minister Kishida, who stressed that peace is foundational for sustainable economic growth and inclusive societies. Discussions centered on the need for African-led solutions,strengthened institutions,and greater inclusion of youth and women in peacebuilding efforts.
Keynote speakers included Bancole ADEOYE,the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs,Peace and Security (PAPS),and President Évariste NDAYISHIMIYE of Burundi.Participants underscored the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict and advocated for reforms to the UN Security Council.
Pro tip: Understanding the ancient context of TICAD and its evolution is crucial for appreciating the meaning of TICAD 9 and its potential impact on Africa-japan relations.
Key TICAD 9 Commitments
| Area of Focus | Commitment |
|---|---|
| Private Sector Investment | $5.5 billion through EPSA expansion |
| Impact Investments | $1.5 billion through JICA |
| Human Capital Development | Training for 300,000 people (AI focus) |
| Healthcare Investment | New investment promotion package |
| Vaccine Support | Up to $550 million to GAVI |
What role will regional integration play in unlocking Africa’s economic potential, and how can Japan best support these efforts? Moreover, how can the initiatives announced at TICAD 9 be effectively implemented to ensure lasting impact on the ground?
The TICAD process has evolved significantly as its inception. Initially focused on providing aid,it has increasingly shifted towards a partnership model emphasizing mutual benefit and African ownership. The growing importance of the private sector and the focus on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence reflect the changing dynamics of the global landscape.Looking ahead, the success of TICAD 9 will depend on translating commitments into concrete results and fostering a truly collaborative approach to development.
Frequently Asked Questions about TICAD 9
- What is the primary goal of TICAD 9? To foster a stronger partnership between Japan and Africa, focusing on co-creation and innovative solutions for sustainable development.
- Who are the key stakeholders involved in TICAD? African governments, the African Union, the Japanese government, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society.
- What is the EPSA program? The Enhanced Private Sector Assistance for Africa, a program expanded to $5.5 billion to support private sector growth in Africa.
- What is the significance of the AfCFTA? The African Continental Free Trade Area is a key initiative to promote regional integration and boost trade within Africa.
- How does Japan contribute to peace and stability in Africa? Through financial assistance, capacity building, and support for African-led peace initiatives.
The outcomes of TICAD 9 are poised to shape the future of Africa-Japan relations for years to come. We encourage you to share this article with your network, leave a comment with your thoughts, and subscribe to our newsletter for more insightful coverage of global events.
