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International cooperation

Japan and Africa Strengthen Ties at TICAD9 Conference

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The 9th Tokyo International Conference on Africa Development (TICAD9) brought together African leaders and multilateral development partners, including Japan, in Yokohama, Japan. The conference, hosted by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, highlighted the importance of mutual understanding, indigenous solutions, and collaborative efforts for Africa's development. The event marked a significant milestone in the strengthening of ties between Japan and Africa, with a focus on private sector-led sustainable growth, youth and women's empowerment, and regional integration.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria emphasized the importance of security to economic growth and collective prosperity, highlighting Nigeria's readiness to partner with Japan and other global development agencies to co-create solutions addressing development challenges.
  • Prime Minister Ishiba outlined Japan's commitment to work with African leaders to make Africa the next growth center, build the capacity of youth and women, and develop 30,000 AI industry personnel in Africa over three years.
  • Japan pledged to support Africa's vaccine supply through contributions of up to $550 million over the next five years to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
  • Nigeria's Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, led the nation's power sector delegation, concluding negotiations and activation of several Japan-backed energy projects, including the Lagos-Ogun Power Transmission System Improvement and the Distributed Access Through Renewable Energy Scale-up.
  • Nigeria's Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake, had a productive meeting with the officials of the Japan Organisation for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC), who pledged to devise plans to encourage Japanese mining companies to invest in Nigeria's mining sector.
  • The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) named the city of Kisarazu as the Hometown for Nigerians, marking the elevation of cultural diplomacy and people-to-people connection to a higher pedestal.

Statistics:

  • Over 1,400 Kaizen trainers have reached 18,000 companies that generate employment for 280,000 people across 41 African countries.
  • Companies' productivity in the 41 African countries has reportedly improved by more than 60 percent.
  • Japan's commitment to support Africa's vaccine supply is up to $550 million over the next five years.
  • Nigeria's power sector will receive $190 million for the Distributed Access Through Renewable Energy Scale-up.
  • JICA will establish the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Knowledge Hub in Japan this year, contributing to achieving UHC in African countries.

Sources:

  • "Nigeria's President, Bola Tinubu, urges African countries to insist on African-derived solutions to African development challenges" (August 23, 2023, AllAfrica)
  • "TICAD9: Japan to invest $550m in Africa's vaccine supply" (August 24, 2023, The Africa Report)
  • "Nigeria's Power Sector gets $190m for Renewable Energy" (August 25, 2023, Nigerian Tribune)
  • "JICA names Kisarazu as Hometown for Nigerians" (August 22, 2023, Japan Today)
  • "TICAD9: Japan and Africa strengthen ties for private sector-led growth" (August 26, 2023, Japan Economic News Agency)

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