Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has unveiled an ambitious plan to strengthen economic ties between Africa and Asia through the creation of an Indian Ocean–Africa economic zone. The proposal, announced on Wednesday at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Yokohama, highlights Japan’s growing interest in playing a leading role on the African continent at a time when the United States is reducing its footprint and China’s influence continues to rise.
Ishiba emphasized Japan’s belief in Africa’s future, pledging to expand business and investment opportunities while supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing Africa’s competitiveness on the global stage. Japan’s strategy focuses on deepening trade routes, attracting investment from Japanese companies operating in India and the Middle East, and fostering sustainable development across Africa.
The three-day summit, which brings together leaders and representatives from about 50 African nations along with international organizations, is centered on critical issues including economic growth, peace and stability, health, education, and climate change. Since its launch in 1993, TICAD has been a major platform for Japan-Africa cooperation, with the last edition held in Tunisia in 2022.
In his address, Ishiba announced that Japan, in partnership with the African Development Bank, will provide up to US$5.5 billion in loans to support Africa’s development and help nations manage debt burdens more effectively. Additionally, Japan has committed to training 30,000 artificial intelligence experts over the next three years, a move aimed at bridging the digital divide, promoting digitalization, and creating new jobs for Africa’s youth.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who also spoke at the summit, stressed the importance of ensuring Africa has a stronger voice in global decision-making. He criticized the “unjust and unfair international financial architecture” that leaves African nations under-represented and called for reforms that would enhance their role on the world stage. Guterres also underscored the importance of building AI capacity in Africa, noting it could significantly reduce inequalities in the digital economy.
The TICAD summit will conclude with the adoption of the “Yokohama Declaration,” which is expected to outline key outcomes and future commitments. Ishiba will formally announce the results at a news conference on Friday.
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