TICAD 9 Opens in Yokohama, Strengthening Japan-Africa Development Partnerships

TICAD 9 Opens in Yokohama, Strengthening Japan-Africa Development Partnerships. The Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) officially opened on 20 August 2025, bringing together African leaders, Japanese officials, and international partners to advance cooperation on economic growth, human security, and peacebuilding.

Namibia was represented by Prime Minister Dr. Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare, who attended alongside Minister of International Relations and Trade Hon. Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Ambassador Kaire Mbuende, National Planning Commission Director General, Ambassador Mbapeua Muvangua, Namibia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union, and senior government officials.

In his keynote address, Japan’s Prime Minister H.E. Shigeru Ishiba outlined the conference’s three central pillars: Economic Growth and Structural Transformation, Human Security and Social Development, and Peace, Security, and Stability. He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), strengthening women’s participation in peace and security, and aligning with Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Prime Minister Ishiba also highlighted Japan’s focus on promoting investment, advancing technology transfer, and supporting human capital development across Africa. “Our goal is to remain a trusted partner for Africa’s development,” he stated, urging joint action to address common challenges.

The African Union Chairperson and President of Angola, H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, echoed these sentiments, describing TICAD as a vital platform for deepening Japan-Africa partnerships in line with Africa’s sustainable development vision.

This year’s summit, co-hosted by the United Nations, the World Bank, and the African Union, places emphasis on health, education, climate resilience, food security, clean water access, and innovation as key priorities for future collaboration.

Namibia, which has participated in TICAD since its inception, reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism and inclusive development, underscoring its role in advancing Africa’s collective growth agenda.