Japan innovates to deepen African relations

Operationalizing themes of co-ownership, blended finance, and adding value to African supply chains, Japan’s engagements in Africa continue a long legacy of innovation and mutuality that reinforce Japan’s commitment to the continent as Africa’s geostrategic importance grows.

Japan’s distinctive approach toward Africa was on display at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) held in Yokohama, Japan, in August 2025.

The conference developed plans for the next iteration of Africa-Japan partnership focusing on interdependence, mutual benefit, and co-creation. Government leaders from 42 African countries joined Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and leaders from Japanese and African private sector, academia, and civil society.

The gathering featured over 200 thematic networking events and 300 booths to facilitate exchanges between Japanese and African companies. Launched in 1993, TICAD has met every 3 years in alternating Japanese and African venues, making it the oldest mechanism of its kind.

Source: Africa Center for Strategic Studies