The recently concluded Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), hosted in Yokohama from August 20-22, 2025, served as a powerful reaffirmation of the dynamic and enduring partnership between Africa and Japan.
Under the leadership of Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, the African delegation articulated a clear and strategic vision for a future built on mutual respect and shared prosperity.
Chairperson Youssouf’s central message throughout the conference was a compelling call for bold and innovative partnerships, urging a collaborative effort to co-create transformative solutions.
He positioned the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a profound catalyst for energy, opportunity, and investment, vital for mobilizing private capital, accelerating the continent’s digital transformation, and building robust infrastructure and innovation ecosystems.
The strategic engagements on the sidelines of the conference were pivotal in translating this vision into actionable frameworks.
In high-level discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, the Chairperson commended Japan’s role as a trusted and consistent partner, a sentiment warmly reciprocated by the Prime Minister, who reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to Africa’s strategic priorities, especially in the wake of the African Union’s accession to the G20.
This dialogue paved the way for strengthened cooperation in critical areas such as trade, technology transfer, and knowledge exchange. Further talks with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) explored deepening collaboration in peace and security, infrastructure, and human capital development, with a focus on leveraging Japan’s renowned technical expertise for Africa’s ongoing transformation.
The conference also included a significant meeting with Muktar Diop, International Finance Corporation’s Managing Director, which centered on the indispensable role of private capital in driving economic growth, particularly in agriculture, green transition, and digital innovation. In fact, both leaders agreed to intensify collaboration to unlock financing for African entrepreneurs.
The African presence was felt across numerous side events where AU Commissioners actively showcased the continent’s ambitious priorities, from food systems transformation and climate resilience to youth empowerment and digital inclusion. This comprehensive participation highlighted Africa’s ambition to contribute meaningfully to solving global challenges.
The adoption of the Yokohama Declaration was welcomed by Chairperson Youssouf as a document that truly captures the spirit of TICAD, which includes mutual respect, practical collaboration, and a shared responsibility for a more equitable global order.
In his closing remarks, the Chairperson reflected on his personal attendance at every TICAD since its inception, positioning himself as a custodian of this unique partnership.
He expressed strong confidence that TICAD9 has successfully opened a new chapter of pragmatic cooperation, built on a legacy of trust and consistency, and reaffirmed the African Union’s determination to advance Agenda 2063 through these strengthened alliances, ensuring a peaceful, prosperous, and resilient future for the African continent.
