At the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), African and Japanese leaders reaffirmed their commitment to shared growth through innovative technologies and localized solutions.
The Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) is underway in Yokohama, bringing together governments, international organizations, private companies, and civil society.
In his message regarding the conference, Japan’s Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi expressed his country’s ambition to achieve shared growth with Africa by promoting knowledge and technology transfer.
According to Iwaya, Africa is endowed with a young population and abundant resources and continues to experience rapid economic growth. However, the continent faces challenges related to industrial development, health, and food security.
To address these challenges, Iwaya said Japan will collaborate with Africa to seek solutions by combining innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence and digital transformation, with African homegrown solutions.
“As a trusted partner for Africa, Japan will continue to develop together with Africa,” he added.
Speaking at the TICAD 9 Ministerial Meeting on Tuesday, AUC Deputy Chairperson Selma Haddadi stated thatAfrica offers many opportunities for the mutual benefit of its people and those who seek to partner with them on an equal footing.
“While we seek technological and skills transfer, we also offer abundant natural resources, a youthful and dynamic workforce, and an increasingly integrated market. It encourage us to work collaboratively and in synergy to ensure that strategic investments in critical infrastructure, as well as strong policies for resilient health systems and social stability, are in place to realize the prosperous, integrated, and peaceful Africa we envision,” she said.
According to her, numerous programs, projects, and activities identified in the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063 have not received sufficient attention while they hold significant potential to catalyze the transformation of Africa’s economy. “We must give these initiatives the consideration they deserve.”
To her, the conference provides an invaluable opportunity to assess the progress, identify ongoing challenges, and celebrate shared achievements in the cooperation between Africa and Japan.
“Building on the momentum of TICAD 8, we have seen notable accomplishments made possible through close collaboration with Japan and other key partners,” she said, adding that the platform is vital for the next level of achievements in Africa’s socio-economic development aspirations as enshrined in the AU Agenda 2063.
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Selma also expressed her expectation that African leaders will advocate for and mobilize interest, technical and financial support for the development of Africa particularly in line with the three core pillars of TICAD 9, which are economy, society and peace and stability.
TICAD 9 is taking place in Yokohama, Japan, from 20-22 August 2025 under the theme “Co-creating Innovative Solutions with Africa.” According to the African Union, TICAD 9 strengthens Africa-Japan cooperation in line with Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. TICAD is a major international conference that promotes Africa’s development, peace, and security through partnerships and multilateral cooperation.
This year, the conference discusses issues such as social development, peace and stability, and economic growth. The event will also feature the award ceremony for the Fifth Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize. Launched by the Government of Japan in 1993, TICAD aims to deepen Japan’s relationships with African countries.