Tokyo, Japan – Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has underlined the significance of the upcoming TICAD 9 summit, calling it “a vibrant platform for forging deeper partnerships between Japan and Africa.” The conference, set to take place in Yokohama from August 20–22, 2025, will focus on innovation, youth empowerment, and sustainable growth across the African continent.
TICAD 9: A Platform for Partnership
Prime Minister Ishiba recalled his first visit to Senegal in 2000, describing how Africa’s youthful energy and vast potential convinced him that the continent had a bright future. “Now, that conviction is becoming a reality,” he said. With Africa hosting the G20 presidency this year under South Africa and Japan leading TICAD 9, 2025 is being hailed as “the year of Africa.”
Launched in 1993, the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) has long been recognized as a pioneering platform. It is built on two principles: “African Ownership” and “International Partnership.” Japan has emphasized the inclusiveness of TICAD, ensuring participation from governments, businesses, NGOs, and international institutions.
TICAD 9 Theme: Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa
This year’s theme, “Co-create innovative solutions with Africa”, highlights Japan’s intention to combine its advanced technologies with Africa’s homegrown ideas. Ishiba noted that the collaboration would be mutually beneficial, blending Japanese expertise in areas like AI, digital transformation, and green technology with Africa’s local innovations.
Driving Sustainable Economic Growth
Japan plans to foster Africa’s economic transformation by accelerating private sector investment. Ishiba highlighted the role of new technologies such as satellite data, AI, and digital tools in creating jobs and boosting growth. The aim is to support African businesses while strengthening industrial ecosystems.
Empowering Youth and Women
Africa’s youthful population remains central to the continent’s future. “Africa’s future rests on the shoulders of its young people and women,” the Prime Minister stressed. Japan will invest in human resource development programs, focusing on skills training in high-growth sectors to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.
Strengthening Regional Integration
Japan also pledged strong support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to boost cross-border trade and investment. Enhancing regional integration and connectivity aligns with Japan’s “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” vision, first introduced at TICAD VI in Nairobi.
Promoting Peace and Stability
Peace remains a key foundation for development. Ishiba confirmed that Japan would continue to back Africa’s own initiatives to strengthen stability, prevent conflicts, and build resilient institutions.
TICAD 9: Beyond Africa
While the immediate focus of TICAD 9 is Africa, Ishiba emphasized that the impact goes beyond the continent. “TICAD 9 is more than a conference; it’s a vibrant and living platform for forging deeper partnerships,” he said. Japan’s goal is to work with Africa in building inclusive global governance, ensuring peace and prosperity not only for Africa but for the international community as a whole.
