TICAD and Development Cooperation
2026/11/4
| 【TICAD】 The Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) is an international conference dedicated to Africa’s development, founded on the principles of African “ownership” and international “partnership.” Since the first TICAD was held in Tokyo in 1993, the Government of Japan has taken the lead in organizing the conference in cooperation with the United Nations, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, and the African Union Commission (AUC). Following the end of the Cold War, Japan advocated for renewed international attention to Africa and demonstrated its commitment to this objective through the establishment of TICAD. Today, numerous international fora organizes platforms for engagement between Africa and its partners. However, TICAD, launched by Japan in 1993, was a pioneering initiative and has served as a forerunner of many subsequent frameworks for international cooperation on African development. TICAD is a multilateral forum which brings together not only African countries, but also international organizations, partner countries, private-sector actors, and civil society organizations engaged in development. Through this inclusive framework, participants have engaged in substantive discussions on Africa’s development, bringing together a broad range of global expertise, knowledge, and resources, as well as the efforts of the international community. TICAD 9 was held in Yokohama from August 20 to 22, 2025, under the theme “Co-create innovative solutions with Africa.” Forty-nine African countries participated, including 33 Heads of State. The Central African Republic was represented by the President H.E Faustin-Archange Touadéra; Cameroon by the Prime Minister H.E Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute; and Chad by the then Secretary-General of the Presidency, H.E Mahamat Ahmat Alhabo. Discussions at TICAD 9 focused on three pillars — “Peace and Stability,” “Economy,” and “Society” — while addressing cross-cutting priorities such as private-sector-led sustainable growth, the empowerment of youth and women, and regional integration and connectivity, both within Africa and beyond the continent. Following extensive and constructive discussions, the “TICAD 9 Yokohama Declaration”, a leaders’ declaration, was adopted as a key outcome of the conference. In addition, 324 business-related Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) were signed between Japanese and African public- and private-sector stakeholders on the occasion of TICAD 9. More than 200 thematic events were also held alongside the plenary sessions, organized by international organizations, private companies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. The directions and priorities identified at TICAD 9 in the areas of “Peace and Stability,” “Economy,” and “Society” are now being translated into concrete cooperation initiatives and projects at the country level. 【CAMEROON】 As a driving force of the Central African economy, Cameroon is an important partner for Japan’s cooperation in the region. Technical cooperation projects are being implemented to support the development of small and medium-sized enterprises through the Kaizen approach, which seeks to enhance quality and productivity through continuous improvement. Japan also provides support to primary sectors, including agriculture and fisheries. These initiatives contribute to improving productivity and competitiveness, thereby increasing farmers’ incomes, reducing poverty, and strengthening food security. At the same time, cooperation in forest and environmental conservation is supporting Cameroon’s efforts to pursue sustainable and environmentally responsible economic growth. 【CHAD】 Surrounded by countries experiencing instability, Chad plays an important role in promoting regional peace and stability. This includes its contribution to counter-terrorism efforts in the Lake Chad Basin region, as well as its role in hosting large numbers of refugees fleeing conflict in neighboring Sudan. Japan has provided humanitarian assistance to Chad, including food assistance and support for refugees and host communities, as well as assistance related to counter-terrorism efforts. Looking ahead, Japan intends to further strengthen human resource development through vocational training and other capacity-building initiatives, while addressing emerging social and economic challenges, including youth employment. 【CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC】 For the Central African Republic, maintaining peace and stability and translating the dividends of peace into sustainable development remain important challenges. Japan has continuously provided food assistance aimed at alleviating poverty and food insecurity and contributing to breaking the cycle of violence associated with poverty. Furthermore, in support of decentralization and democratization, Japan, together with the United Nations supported the local elections held at the end of 2025 — the country’s first local elections in approximately 40 years, as well as three other elections which include the presidential election. |