Japan and Africa begin new relations
The Royal African Society that promotes Africa’s cause, has hosted an event entitled “Japan and Africa: A new kind of relationship,” in association with the Government of Japan to discuss the future of Africa.
The event is a pre-cursor to the Sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI) would be held in Nairobi, Kenya from 27-28 August, the first ever TICAD summit to be held in Africa.
The event also featured two renowned practitioners in international development; Professor Akihiko Tanaka, University of Tokyo and former President of Japan International Cooperation Agency, and Charles O. Boamah, CEO and Vice President of the African Development Bank, who discussed the future of Africa.
Speaking ahead of the event, Professor Tanaka said: “Throughout the period since Japan started the TICAD process in 1993, Japan has consistently worked closely with the governments and people of Africa for sustainable and inclusive development.”
Prof. Tanaka said African countries would become invaluable to Japan in the coming decades as growing business partners with huge markets in four areas; Inclusive Development, Economic Infrastructure, Good Governance as an accelerator of growth, and Security.
He noted that the partnership would also foster sustainable growth as what is consumed in Africa would be produced in Africa.
Mr Boamah, on his part, said: “TICAD VI is happening in less than a year after important global agreements on Sustainable Development Goals and Climate Change.
“Arguably the greatest opportunities for positive actions to meet these global targets are in Africa, which is why deeper and innovative relationships with development partners such as Japan will be critical.”
He said Japan had now maintained a commitment to promoting peace and stability in Africa through collaborative partnerships for over 20 years and the emphasis of this partnership had always been on African ownership of Africa’s future and ensuring that global commitments from the international community was upheld.
“In preparation for the TICAD summit, we are delighted to host this event in London to continue the conversation about the future of Africa and its relationship with Japan,” he said.
Source: GNA