Special series 2: Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)
2026/5/12
●Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)
“Connected by the oceans, united by the land. Japan and Africa, building a free future together.”
1. What is the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)?
(1) The Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) is a fundamental vision of diplomacy and development advocated by Japan. This vision aims to ensure stability and prosperity across the vast region connecting the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, based on the principles of freedom, the rule of law, and open economies. It was first introduced in 2016 at TICAD VI held in Nairobi, Kenya.
(2) The Indian Ocean borders the eastern coast of Africa and serves as a vital passage for a large share of global trade. As a vital artery for energy, resources, and goods, this region is a lifeline supporting shared prosperity for both Japan and Africa. For this reason, FOIP positions Africa as an important part of the Indo-Pacific region, and it is expected that African countries, including those in Central and West Africa, will benefit from a freer, more open, and secure international environment.
(3) FOIP also emphasizes the development of “quality infrastructure” and stronger connectivity. Through the development of logistics networks and infrastructure linking the Indo-Pacific region and Africa, it aims to contribute to trade and economic development across Africa. Furthermore, strengthening an international order based on the rule of law and freedom of navigation will also contribute to the safety and stability of sea lanes, including those around Central and West Africa.
※ FOIP (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan): https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/page25e_000278.html
2. The Three Pillars of FOIP
The FOIP’s vision is based on three pillars designed to ensure peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
(1) Pillar 1: Promotion of the Rule of Law, Freedom, and Openness
Strengthening the rule of law is a fundamental foundation for peace, stability, and development. Japan actively supports capacity building of judicial, administrative, and security institutions, as well as the strengthening of democratic governance in African countries.
👉Example: In 2025, Japan contributed USD 1 million through UNDP to support four elections, including the presidential election in the Central African Republic. This assistance enhances the operational capacity of the National Elections Authority and promotes electoral participation of women and youth, thereby strengthening democratic processes.
(2) Pillar 2: Pursuit of Economic Prosperity
Japan promotes economic prosperity across the region by supporting the development of “quality infrastructure” and establishing a free and fair economic order. In Africa, this includes support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as well as infrastructure projects that emphasize transparency, sustainability, and benefit to local communities.
👉Example: Japan provided a grant of 1.357 billion yen (around 7 billion FCFA) for the development of the Youpwé fish landing facility and fish market in Douala, Cameroon (inaugurated in 2024). This project improves the safety and efficiency of fish landing operations and enhances the marketing environment for fishery products, thereby supporting economic development in the fisheries sector.
(3) Pillar 3: Commitment to Peace and Stability
Peace and stability across the entire region are indispensable for shared prosperity. Based on the concept of human security—which seeks to create societies where not only states but also every individual is free from fear and want and can live with dignity—Japan provides support in areas such as humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and counterterrorism.
👉Example: Over the past three years, Japan has provided approximately USD 10 million in grants through International Organizations, such as UNICEF and UNHCR, to support refugees, internally displaced persons, and host communities in Chad affected by the conflict in Sudan. Chad faces a severe humanitarian crisis, and Japan supports the Government’s efforts to alleviate the burden on both refugees and host communities.
3. Conclusion
(1) The Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) is not a vision intended to exclude specific countries or provoke confrontation. It is a vision of a world in which all countries involved in the Indo-Pacific region—regardless of size—can prosper equally under fair rules.
(2) FOIP is not Japan’s vision alone. It is a shared aspiration for a world where all people live with dignity, and all nations prosper fairly. Japan will continue to work together with Cameroon, Chad, and the Central African Republic to realize this vision.
“Connected by the oceans, united by the land. Japan and Africa, building a free future together.”
1. What is the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)?
(1) The Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) is a fundamental vision of diplomacy and development advocated by Japan. This vision aims to ensure stability and prosperity across the vast region connecting the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, based on the principles of freedom, the rule of law, and open economies. It was first introduced in 2016 at TICAD VI held in Nairobi, Kenya.
(2) The Indian Ocean borders the eastern coast of Africa and serves as a vital passage for a large share of global trade. As a vital artery for energy, resources, and goods, this region is a lifeline supporting shared prosperity for both Japan and Africa. For this reason, FOIP positions Africa as an important part of the Indo-Pacific region, and it is expected that African countries, including those in Central and West Africa, will benefit from a freer, more open, and secure international environment.
(3) FOIP also emphasizes the development of “quality infrastructure” and stronger connectivity. Through the development of logistics networks and infrastructure linking the Indo-Pacific region and Africa, it aims to contribute to trade and economic development across Africa. Furthermore, strengthening an international order based on the rule of law and freedom of navigation will also contribute to the safety and stability of sea lanes, including those around Central and West Africa.
※ FOIP (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan): https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/page25e_000278.html
2. The Three Pillars of FOIP
The FOIP’s vision is based on three pillars designed to ensure peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
(1) Pillar 1: Promotion of the Rule of Law, Freedom, and Openness
Strengthening the rule of law is a fundamental foundation for peace, stability, and development. Japan actively supports capacity building of judicial, administrative, and security institutions, as well as the strengthening of democratic governance in African countries.
👉Example: In 2025, Japan contributed USD 1 million through UNDP to support four elections, including the presidential election in the Central African Republic. This assistance enhances the operational capacity of the National Elections Authority and promotes electoral participation of women and youth, thereby strengthening democratic processes.
(2) Pillar 2: Pursuit of Economic Prosperity
Japan promotes economic prosperity across the region by supporting the development of “quality infrastructure” and establishing a free and fair economic order. In Africa, this includes support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as well as infrastructure projects that emphasize transparency, sustainability, and benefit to local communities.
👉Example: Japan provided a grant of 1.357 billion yen (around 7 billion FCFA) for the development of the Youpwé fish landing facility and fish market in Douala, Cameroon (inaugurated in 2024). This project improves the safety and efficiency of fish landing operations and enhances the marketing environment for fishery products, thereby supporting economic development in the fisheries sector.
(3) Pillar 3: Commitment to Peace and Stability
Peace and stability across the entire region are indispensable for shared prosperity. Based on the concept of human security—which seeks to create societies where not only states but also every individual is free from fear and want and can live with dignity—Japan provides support in areas such as humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and counterterrorism.
👉Example: Over the past three years, Japan has provided approximately USD 10 million in grants through International Organizations, such as UNICEF and UNHCR, to support refugees, internally displaced persons, and host communities in Chad affected by the conflict in Sudan. Chad faces a severe humanitarian crisis, and Japan supports the Government’s efforts to alleviate the burden on both refugees and host communities.
3. Conclusion
(1) The Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) is not a vision intended to exclude specific countries or provoke confrontation. It is a vision of a world in which all countries involved in the Indo-Pacific region—regardless of size—can prosper equally under fair rules.
(2) FOIP is not Japan’s vision alone. It is a shared aspiration for a world where all people live with dignity, and all nations prosper fairly. Japan will continue to work together with Cameroon, Chad, and the Central African Republic to realize this vision.