At the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), Japan unveiled a sweeping initiative to deepen economic ties with Africa, committing $5.5 billion in development loans and announcing the training of 30,000 AI specialists across the continent over the next three years.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba proposed the creation of an “Indian Ocean–Africa Economic Zone,” connecting African nations with India and the Middle East to boost trade, infrastructure, and innovation. The funding, arranged through the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is aimed at spurring sustainable growth and addressing Africa’s mounting debt burdens. “In creating solutions together, … we focus on three important areas: private sector-led sustainable growth, Youth and Women, and regional integration and connectivity within and beyond Africa,” Ishiba emphasized.
The summit drew leaders from nearly 50 African countries. UN Secretary-General António Guterres used the platform to call for systemic global reform, pressing for Africa to gain permanent representation on the UN Security Council and greater say in global financial systems. “Africa must have a stronger voice in shaping the decisions that affect its future,” Guterres stressed. Angola’s President João Lourenço echoed the urgency, noting that limited access to affordable capital continues to stifle Africa’s progress. As U.S. engagement in Africa cools and China’s footprint expands, TICAD 9 signals Japan’s strategic intent to offer a long-term, tech-driven partnership focused on inclusive development. A joint “Yokohama Declaration” is expected later in the week.