AU Chair Urges Enhanced Africa-Japan Collaboration at TICAD9 Summit

Key Highlights from the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9)

Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), concluded a productive engagement at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) held in Yokohama, Japan, from August 20 to 22, 2025. His participation underscored Africa’s commitment to fostering a dynamic partnership with Japan and highlighted TICAD as a key platform for promoting shared prosperity, peace, and sustainable development.

During the opening ceremony, Chairperson Youssouf delivered a keynote speech that emphasized the enduring relationship between Africa and Japan, built on mutual respect and shared goals. He called for the creation of transformative solutions aligned with Agenda 2063 and the central themes of TICAD9—peace, growth, and inclusivity.

Youssouf described the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a “catalyst of energy, opportunity, and investment.” He urged the mobilization of private capital, acceleration of digital transformation, and expansion of infrastructure and innovation ecosystems to drive economic progress across the continent.

Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation

In high-level discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, Youssouf commended Japan’s long-standing support for Africa’s development. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to Africa’s strategic priorities, especially following the African Union’s accession to the G20. Both leaders pledged to enhance cooperation in trade, technology, and knowledge exchange under the TICAD framework.

During meetings with the President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Youssouf explored opportunities for deeper collaboration in areas such as peace and security, infrastructure, innovation, and human capital development. He stressed the importance of leveraging Japan’s technical expertise to support Africa’s transformation.

In talks with Muktar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the discussion focused on the role of private capital in Africa’s economic transformation. Topics included investments in infrastructure, agriculture, green transition, and digital innovation. Both leaders agreed to strengthen AU-IFC collaboration to unlock financing for African entrepreneurs and expand opportunities in priority sectors.

Showcasing Africa’s Priorities

Throughout TICAD9, AU Commissioners and senior officials actively participated in side events, highlighting Africa’s priorities in several key areas:

• Food systems transformation
• Climate resilience
• Energy access
• Youth empowerment
• Peace and security
• Digital inclusion

These interventions demonstrated Africa’s ambition not only to transform the continent but also to contribute global solutions to pressing challenges.

Embracing the Yokohama Declaration

Chairperson Youssouf welcomed the adoption of the Yokohama Declaration, which reaffirms Africa-Japan cooperation in critical areas such as infrastructure, trade, digital transformation, agriculture, peace and security, knowledge transfer, and technology. He emphasized that the declaration reflects the spirit of TICAD: mutual respect, practical collaboration, and shared responsibility for shaping a more equitable global order.

A Legacy of Trust and Consistency

In his closing remarks, Youssouf reflected on his personal participation in every TICAD since its inception, positioning himself as a custodian of this unique partnership. He underscored that TICAD’s legacy is one of trust and consistency, expressing confidence that TICAD9 has opened a new chapter of pragmatic cooperation between Africa and Japan.

Youssouf reaffirmed the African Union’s determination to advance Agenda 2063 through strengthened partnerships with Japan and international financial institutions. He called for sustained political will, innovation, and inclusive collaboration to drive Africa’s prosperity. He noted that the TICAD process remains a vital bridge between Africa and Asia in the pursuit of a peaceful, prosperous, and resilient future.