Japan has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening political, economic, and development partnerships with Africa as Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met with several African heads of state on the opening day of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).
The high-level gathering, held in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, brought together African leaders, the African Union Commission, and development partners to discuss regional cooperation, sustainable growth, and inclusive development.
Prime Minister Ishiba’s first day at TICAD9 was marked by a series of bilateral meetings with African leaders.
He held discussions with Dr. William Ruto, President of Kenya; Joseph Nyumah Boakai, President of Liberia; Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Prime Minister of Mauritius; Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of Senegal; Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of Mauritania; Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe; and João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of Angola.
The Japanese leader also conferred with Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, reinforcing Japan’s support for continental integration and institutional reforms within the African Union.
The discussions covered economic cooperation, trade, agriculture, and food security, as well as peace and regional stability.
During his address at a thematic session titled “Building Sustainable, Resilient and Inclusive Food Systems and Local Economies in Africa Anchored in the Blue Economy and Agriculture,” Ishiba highlighted Japan’s strategy to support Africa’s agricultural transformation.
He stressed the need to enhance food security through technology transfer, infrastructure investment, and stronger collaboration in the fisheries and blue economy sectors.
Ishiba underscored that sustainable agriculture and marine resources could play a decisive role in Africa’s growth and resilience.
“Africa’s economic transformation must be inclusive and resilient.
By prioritizing food systems, blue economy development, and regional integration, we can co-create lasting solutions that empower youth and women while ensuring sustainable growth,” Ishiba said.
TICAD9 follows a long history of Japan’s engagement with Africa. Since its launch in 1993, TICAD has served as a platform for dialogue between Japan, African countries, and international partners.
This year, Ishiba reaffirmed Tokyo’s support for private sector-led growth, sustainable infrastructure, and industrialization across Africa.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Japan will continue working with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and regional bodies to expand investment opportunities.
Analysts note that Japan’s renewed interest in Africa comes amid growing global competition, with China, the United States, and the European Union also deepening ties with the continent.
African presidents present at the summit welcomed Japan’s commitment, stressing the importance of fair trade, investment in energy and transport infrastructure, and support for agricultural modernization.
Kenya’s President William Ruto, for example, reiterated the need for stronger partnerships in technology and innovation to drive Africa’s youth-led growth.
Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye emphasized that sustainable blue economy policies could unlock new opportunities for West Africa’s coastal communities.
Meanwhile, Liberia’s Joseph Nyumah Boakai praised Japan’s consistent engagement through TICAD as a model for genuine cooperation rather than one-sided aid.
The opening of TICAD9 sets the tone for deeper collaboration between Japan and Africa.
The emphasis on food security, regional integration, and private investment reflects shared priorities between both sides.
Observers say the outcomes of TICAD9 could significantly shape Africa’s path to industrialization, especially with Japan positioning itself as a trusted partner in sustainable growth.
With Africa’s population projected to double by 2050, the continent’s youthful demographics and resource potential remain key attractions for Japan’s long-term strategy.
As TICAD9 continues, stakeholders expect new frameworks for cooperation that address energy transition, digital innovation, and climate resilience — issues that remain central to Africa’s sustainable development agenda.