The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, has reaffirmed Africa’s commitment to building stronger ties with Japan during the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), held in Yokohama.
Delivering a keynote at the opening ceremony, Youssouf highlighted TICAD’s role as a cornerstone of Africa–Japan cooperation and called for bold, innovative partnerships aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
He described the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a “catalyst of energy, opportunity, and investment,” urging for greater private sector involvement, digital transformation, and infrastructure expansion.
On the sidelines, the AU Chairperson held high-level talks with Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, who pledged Japan’s continued support for Africa’s priorities, particularly following the AU’s accession to the G20. Both leaders agreed to deepen collaboration in trade, technology, and policy dialogue under the TICAD framework.
Youssouf also met with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), where discussions focused on peace and security, innovation, and mobilizing private capital for Africa’s green transition, agriculture, and digital economy.
AU Commissioners and senior officials participated in side events highlighting Africa’s priorities in climate resilience, youth empowerment, peace and security, and food systems transformation.
The conference concluded with the adoption of the Yokohama Declaration, reaffirming Africa–Japan cooperation across infrastructure, trade, agriculture, and digital innovation. Youssouf welcomed the outcome, stressing that TICAD embodies mutual respect, practical collaboration, and shared responsibility for shaping a fairer global order.
“TICAD’s legacy is one of trust and consistency,” Youssouf said in his closing remarks, expressing confidence that TICAD9 marks the beginning of a new chapter in Africa–Japan relations.
