Latest news with #9thTokyoInternationalConferenceonAfricanDevelopment
The Mainichi
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Mainichi
Global Perspective: Expectations rising for African economic growth, democratization
By Akihiko Tanaka, Emeritus Professor, The University of Tokyo From Aug. 20 to 22, the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) will be held in Yokohama south of the Tokyo. Since TICAD's first gathering in 1993, Japan has been jointly organizing this conference with the United Nations, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the World Bank, and the African Union Commission (AUC). TICAD 9 unfolds as Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the humanitarian crises and the danger of war in the Middle East raise concerns about the future of the international order. In such a world situation, what is the significance of thinking about Africa's development? What are Africa's challenges and possibilities? TICAD in August Africa is not a small region that can be described in short. On a Mercator projection world map, which looks small around the equator, Africa does not look so vast. However, the actual area is 30.1 million square kilometers, which is not much different from all of Asia, which is 31.96 million square kilometers. Africa is larger than North America, South America, and Europe, respectively. This comparison is based on the regional classification of the United Nations, in which Asia spans China, India, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, but not Russia. If it is difficult to talk about such a diverse Asia in one go, similar difficulties exist for Africa. Among African countries, Nigeria has the largest population of about 220 million, while the island nation of Seychelles has just 120,000 people or so. Algeria, the largest in area, is 5,178 times larger than the smallest Seychelles. Africa is also diverse in terms of climate, with rainforests and deserts, as well as savannah and Mediterranean climates. Some countries stand high above sea level -- Uganda and Rwanda are just below the equator or south of it, but the climate is cool. Poverty, conflict challenging With such diversity in mind, I would like to consider the economic and political challenges facing Africa. The first issue is the seriousness of poverty. Although the main purpose of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is to reduce poverty, about 30% of people in Africa are estimated to live in extreme poverty (living on less than $2.15 a day). The situation has improved from 2000 when the figure was 47%, but there remains a large gap with the global average of about 10%. The second is the threat to human security due to armed conflicts and political crises. The Tigre conflict in Ethiopia, which broke out in 2020 and has since seen a rise in the number of casualties, reached a peaceful settlement in November 2022, but unstable areas still remain in the east African country. In Sudan on April 23 of this year, aA civil war broke out in Sudan in April, 2023, and the fighting continues to date. Coups have occurred in Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, and there has been no transfer of power to the civilian government. The armed conflict involving Rwanda continued in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire), but a peace agreement was signed on June 27 this year. In South Sudan, which became independent in 2011, internal forces continued fighting until they gave agreed on seeking peace but elections have not been held so far and the situation remains fluid. In addition, Somalia, northern Nigeria, Mali and Burkina Fado, among other countries, face terrorist activities by Islamic extremists. While poverty and armed conflict continue, positive movements are seen in a significant number of countries. The first instance is economic growth. According to the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) "World Economic Outlook" released in April this year, the real gross domestic product (GDP) of the entire world economy is estimated to grow by 2.785% in 2025. In Africa, 41 countries are expected to grow above the global average. There are also political improvements. In some countries, democracy is taking root. According to Sweden's V-Dem Institute, which studies democracy globally, 15 African countries were classified as "democracies" in 2024, from 13 in 2000. The number increased even though it is modest. In addition to Senegal and Ghana in West Africa, it is impressive that many countries in Southern Africa, South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia in southern Africa, and Malawi, which is one of the poorest countries in terms of per capita income, have established maintained stable democracy. The advantage of young people Needless to say, the common characteristics of African countries are the momentum of population growth and the large number of young people. This is a factor that, if not managed well, can lead to poverty and conflict. However, if we can take advantage of the large young population, we can promote economic growth which can lead to political democratization. What is attracting attention is the increasing number of young African businessmen working on startups that creatively utilize information and communication technology (ICT) and other technologies to create new industries. Some of them have studied in Japan and started new businesses in Africa, and they have the potential of co-creating innovation through interaction with Japan entrepreneurs. I believe that Africa, with its diversity, is a region where the challenges and expectations of the world as a whole are concentrated. Japan has been addressing Africa's challenges and possibilities for more than 30 years through TICAD. Through development cooperation, Tokyo has made useful contributions to local communities in the areas of agriculture, public health, safe water supply, and education, as a support for human security. Improving the income of smallholder farmers and increasing rice production are projects unique to Japan has been promting in many African countries. Some countries, including Egypt, are trying to introduce Japan-style primary education. Africa is Japan's western partner in the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" strategy. We must also steadily advance the construction of infrastructure to strengthen the overall connectivity of the Indo-Pacific. There is no continent with as many landlocked countries as Africa. Japan has contributed to the construction of corridors from the coast to the inland there, but cooperation should be continued further. It is very encouraging that private companies are increasingly interested in Africa. I think that by co-creating with young African power, we can further expand Africa's potential. People-to-people exchange is the foundation of co-creation. The activities of the Overseas Cooperation Volunteers of Japan are highly regarded in African countries, and after returning to Japan, the members are also active in regional revitalization in various parts of Japan. The ABE initiative and other invitations to international students from Africa to Japan have also been effective, connecting Japanese private companies and Africa. It is hoped that exchanges will be further expanded, including among young people in Japan.
The Citizen
11-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Deputy president denies misuse of state funds for international trips
The Office of the deputy president has released a statement denying allegations of misusing state funds related to Deputy President Paul Mashatile's international travel. This statement follows extensive media coverage from various news outlets and public speculation on the matter. 'Categorically, the office and the deputy president have not, as seems to be suggested, misused state funds or been extravagant in financing the costs of the deputy president's international travel,' the statement, issued last night, read. According to the Presidency, the matter was first raised after a written parliamentary inquiry from ActionSA, which prompted detailed disclosures regarding travel expenses. Mashatile responds to inquiry 'In light of such an expected phenomenon, the deputy president replied to the question in full and also provided specific details, which include correct figures and breakdown of individual costs by members of the delegation supporting the deputy president.' The deputy president's office has stressed that all international trips undertaken are in his official capacity, representing the South African government, as directed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. 'Moreover, the majority of these strategic international visits are aimed at strengthening existing bilateral, political, economic and diplomatic relations between South Africa and visited countries.' Breakdown of international visits and costs Mashatile has engaged in several significant international working visits since taking office on July 3, 2024, including trips to Ireland, the UK and Japan, with further planned visits to France. The office has provided a comprehensive breakdown of the expenses associated with these trips, stressing that many figures circulated in the media are inflated. News24 recently reported that the deputy president's trip to Japan in March cost R2.3m, with R900 000 covering accommodation for him and his wife. However, the Presidency stated that the Japan visit was particularly highlighted for its strategic relevance, marking the first high-level engagement between South Africa and Japan in a decade, coinciding with the 115th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Japan visit During the Japan working visit, the country's second-in-command was accompanied by various ministers. The Presidency believes that the visit was advantageous for South Africa's African Agenda, especially considering the current overlap of South Africa's Group of 20 chairship and Japan's upcoming hosting of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development in August. 'This presents a unique opportunity for South Africa to communicate its own and the continent's position and priorities to Japan, and the expected support and role that Japan could play in this regard.' Presidency disputes 'blown out' media figures In addition, the deputy president's office stated that the claims of exorbitant costs for certain officials have been disputed, and that the actual expenditure is significantly lower. 'Regrettably, some of the figures presented by the media are significantly blown out of proportion and do not accurately reflect the cost of the trips. For example, one media liaison officer, referred to by TimesLIVE as the 'most expensive supporting official', is said to have cost R580 582 for Japan alone, when in fact, the total cost for that official is less than R66 000, including flights and accommodation.' Travel funded under official policy The office has reassured the public that the deputy president's travels are conducted with fiscal responsibility and in alignment with South Africa's commitment to global relations and investment. 'In terms of the travel policy in the Presidential Handbook, transport for the president and deputy president during travel outside South Africa is the responsibility and for the account of the state.' In addition, the office mentioned that the financial responsibilities for the visits, which include travel, accommodation and other miscellaneous expenses, are typically shared between the Department of International Relations and Co-operation and other participating departments. 'In all these visits, the Office of the Deputy President has insisted on the most cost-effective provisions for the deputy president and his delegations and has therefore not misused or extravagantly used state funds, as alluded.' – Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
See - Sada Elbalad
14-05-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Japan to Highlight African Diplomacy at TICAD 9
Ahmed Emam The Foreign Press Center Japan (FPCJ) has announced an upcoming online press briefing ahead of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), scheduled to take place in Yokohama from August 20 to 22, 2025. This year's conference is being positioned as Japan's most significant diplomatic initiative with the Global South. The FPCJ briefing, set for Thursday, May 22, will feature Mr. Kenju Murakami, Deputy Director-General and Deputy Assistant Minister of the International Cooperation Bureau and African Affairs Department at Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Under the theme 'Strengthening Japan's Relations with Countries in the Global South through TICAD 9,' Mr. Murakami will present Japan's evolving Official Development Assistance (ODA) strategy in response to shifting global dynamics. TICAD, launched in 1993, has long been a key forum for Japan-Africa engagement. With African nations becoming more prominent on the global stage, TICAD 9 comes at a pivotal moment. Mr. Murakami is expected to outline how Japan plans to reinforce partnerships across the continent, emphasizing development cooperation, economic growth, and strategic diplomacy. The press briefing will be held in Japanese with consecutive English interpretation and will include a Q\&A session exclusively for members of the foreign press. Participants are encouraged to submit questions in advance by Thursday, May 15, at 12:00 JST. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War
Zawya
24-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI's attendance at the National Day Reception of the Republic of South Africa
On April 24, Ms. ERI Arfiya, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended the South African National Day Reception, which was held in Tokyo, and delivered her remarks on behalf of the Government of Japan. The overview is as follow: In her speech, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI referred to the longstanding friendship between Japan and South Africa that has been fostered for 115 years, and expressed her hope that, through increasingly active high-level exchanges over the past year and wide-ranging discussions at such high-levels, bilateral cooperation will be further deepened. She also noted that the bonds forged through multilayered exchanges in diverse areas such as the economy, culture, and sports have served as the foundation for strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries. Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI also stated that Japan would like to work with African countries to co-create solutions to various challenges at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) to be held in Yokohama this August, and expressed her hope that the achievements of TICAD 9 will lead to the success of the G20 Johannesburg Summit. She emphasized that Japan and South Africa, based on the shared the fundamental values of freedom, peace, and democracy, will further strengthen bilateral cooperation. Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI concluded her remarks by expressing her deep respect for the legacy of President Nelson MANDELA and other great leaders who have shaped South Africa's path to freedom and democracy. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
