Latest news with #TICAD9
The Mainichi
31-07-2025
- 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.
Arab Times
31-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
TICAD9 and the Japan-Kuwait partnership: Strengthening development cooperation
The Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) will be held in Yokohama, Japan, from August 20-22, 2025, under the theme 'Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa'. TICAD is a long-standing international conference and platform led by the Japanese Government since 1993. It is focused on promoting Africa-led sustainable development under the two principles, African ownership and international partnership, in the priority areas of human capital development, human security, private sector-led growth, and quality infrastructure. TICAD provides an opportunity for a wide range of stakeholders, including African countries and development partners such as regional and international organizations, donor countries, the private sector, academia, and civil society organizations, to discuss how to respond to regional and international complex challenges. Strengthening Cooperation with Kuwait: TICAD plays a vital role in uniting various nations and organizations for promoting development in Africa, with Japan playing a central role in hosting the forum. Simultaneously, Japan has been actively developing cooperative relationships with key international partners to amplify the impact of our cooperation in Africa. Notably, a strengthened partnership with Kuwait is pivotal. On the occasion of the successful visit of His Highness the Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to Japan, in May 2025, Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on International Cooperation between Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) was signed to strengthen cooperation in the field of development. The areas of cooperation will include exchanging information and best practices, conducting consultations, and jointly identifying potential projects, and so on. The MoC also provides a foundation for various activities and collaborations, such as jointly aiding third countries in the region, including Africa, and delivering capacity-building workshops in Japan. The Significance of the Japan-Kuwait Partnership: The collaboration between Japan and Kuwait is especially important in the context of TICAD9. Japan warmly welcomes the presence of KFAED in the forum, as it represents the first meeting focused on development since the signing of the MoC between our nations, which is essential for sharing visions and finding the next step for further practical collaboration. Furthermore, the participation of KFAED, which has extensive knowledge and experience in the development sector in Africa and other regions, will further enhance the influence and importance of TICAD9 in bringing resilient and sustainable growth to Africa. Japan's Strategic Approach and Cooperation: Besides such initiatives, Japan has been developing a strategic approach and framework to engage multi-stakeholders to deliver practical cooperation in the region. The approach includes collaboration with Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), development financial institutions, and the private sector. Furthermore, Japan newly introduced the 'Co-creation for common agenda initiative' in 2023. Under this initiative, Japan will proactively propose appealing cooperation menus to achieve development goals by the 'co-creation' of social value through dialogue and collaboration with the partner countries, while mobilizing other official flows (OOF) and private finance in combination with ODA. Sustainable development cannot be achieved solely by a single nation. Japan will continue to further deepen the partnership with Kuwait and relevant stakeholders and undertake efforts for a sustainable future in Africa and the world. With the renewed partnership between JICA and KFAED, we envision that this cooperation will contribute meaningfully to addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges and realizing sustainable development in the African continent to strengthen the partnership between the two countries.
Libya Herald
31-07-2025
- Business
- Libya Herald
Minister of Oil and Gas discusses with Japanese Ambassador strengthening cooperation and attracting Japanese companies to Libya's energy sector
Within the framework of strengthening bilateral cooperation relations between Libya and Japan, Libya's Tripoli based Acting Minister of Oil and Gas, Khalifa Abdel Sadig, received, yesterday, the Ambassador of Japan to Libya, Shimura Izuru, in the presence of the First and Second Secretaries of the Embassy, and with the participation of the International Cooperation and Information Office at the Ministry. Sadeg's upcoming visit to Japan During the meeting, the two sides discussed the arrangements for Abdel Sadig's upcoming visit to Japan, which includes meetings with government agencies concerned with energy, where the importance of this visit in opening new horizons for partnership and cooperation between the two countries was emphasized. Pipeline development projects, training and investment opportunities for Japanese companies The meeting held an in-depth discussion on the possibility of cooperation with leading Japanese companies, especially in the implementation of oil and gas pipeline development projects, as well as opportunities for cooperation in the field of training and capacity building of Libyan cadres, in a way that contributes to supporting development paths and developing institutional performance. An official invitation to the Japanese side to visit Libya and explore the investment opportunities available in the energy sector, was also extended. Japan's experience in hydrogen and solar technology The Minister expressed the Ministry's interest in Japan's distinguished experience in the fields of renewable energy, especially with regard to hydrogen and solar energy technology, stressing that Libya seeks to diversify energy sources and achieve sustainability in this vital sector. The Minister will participate in the TICAD 9 conference in Yokohama, which is one of the most important international platforms to enhance cooperation between African countries and Japan, within the framework of the Ministry's vision to expand strategic partnerships and achieve sustainable development in Libya. Continue Reading
Kuwait News Agency
31-07-2025
- Business
- Kuwait News Agency
Amb. Mukai: Kuwaiti participation in Tokyo Conf. on African Development "important"
KUWAIT, July 31 (KUNA) -- The Kuwaiti participation in the upcoming Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) is important, and falls within the framework of strengthening bilateral development cooperation, Ambassador of Japan to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro said on Thursday. The TICAD 9 will be held in Yokohama, Japan, from August 20 to 22, 2025, under the theme "Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa." In a press release by the Japanese Embassy, Ambassador Mukai affirmed that the collaboration between Japan and Kuwait was especially important in the context of TICAD 9, expressing a warm welcome to the upcoming participation of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) in the conference. He added, "On the occasion of the successful visit of His Highness the Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to Japan, in May 2025, (a) Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on international cooperation between Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) was signed to strengthen cooperation in the field of development." He said that the Kuwaiti participation in the conference represents "the first meeting focused on development since the signing of the MoC between our nations, which is essential for sharing visions and finding the next step for further practical collaboration." The ambassador affirmed that the areas of cooperation "will include exchanging information and best practices, conducting consultations, and jointly identifying potential projects, and so on." "The MoC also provides a foundation for various activities and collaborations, such as jointly aiding third countries in the region including Africa and delivering capacity-building workshops in Japan," he stated. "Furthermore, the participation of KFAED, which has extensive knowledge and experience in the development sector in Africa and other regions, will further enhance the influence and importance of TICAD 9 in bringing resilient and sustainable growth to Africa." He asserted, "Japan will continue to further deepen the partnership with Kuwait and relevant stakeholders and undertake efforts for a sustainable future in Africa and the world." He added, "With the renewed partnership between JICA and KFAED, we envision that this cooperation will contribute meaningfully to addressing economic, social and environmental challenges and realizing a sustainable development in the African continent to strengthen the partnership between the two countries." TICAD is a long-standing international conference and platform led by the Japanese government since 1993. It is focused on promoting Africa-led sustainable development under the two principles, African ownership and international partnership, in the priority areas of human capital development, human security, private sector-led growth, and quality infrastructure. TICAD provides an opportunity for a wide range of stakeholders, including African countries and development partners such as regional and international organizations, donor countries, the private sector, academia and civil society organizations, to discuss how to respond to regional and international complex challenges. TICAD plays a vital role in uniting various nations and organizations for promoting development in Africa, with Japan playing a central role in hosting the forum. Simultaneously, Japan has been actively developing cooperative relationships with key international partners, notably the pivotal partnership with Kuwait, to amplify the impact of cooperation in Africa. (end) gta
Zawya
29-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Meeting between Foreign Minister Iwaya and Vice President of the Government of the Gabonese Republic Barro Chambrier
On July 29, commencing at 2 p.m., for approximately 40 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Hugues Alexandre BARRO CHAMBRIER, Vice President of the Government of the Gabonese Republic, who is visiting Japan to participate in the National Day Event of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. At the outset, Minister Iwaya, while congratulating Gabon on the peaceful holding of democratic elections in April of this year, stated that Japan has been cooperating in various fields such as health, environmental conservation, and reinforcement of the rule of law, and has also contributed to the democratization process in recent years. Minister Iwaya also stated that he would like to strengthen bilateral relations, including in the economic field, and to take the opportunity of TICAD 9 to further cooperate with Gabon. In response, Vice President Barro Chambrier stated that Gabon has a young population and needs economic transformation and diversification, and expressed his hope that Japanese companies would invest in Gabon in the areas of infrastructure, energy, minerals, and timber. Both sides affirmed their commitment to work closely together in the international arena and exchanged views on the situation in East Asia such as their policies toward North Korea including on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue. In addition, Minister Iwaya asked for Vice President Barro Chambrier's understanding and cooperation for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue and gained the support. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
