TICAD Ministerial Meeting Aims To Strengthen AU-Japan Cooperation

Participants in the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Ministerial Meeting, held on 24th and 25th August, 2024, emphasised the need to tackle climate change, healthcare, education, agriculture, food security, nutrition, energy and water issues in African Union (AU) member states.

The Joint Communique issued at the end of the two-day meeting highlighted Africa's efforts to mobilise innovative domestic resources. It stressed the importance of collaboration to develop creative solutions.

The communique also underscored the necessity of strengthening disease prevention and supporting healthcare systems. Improving access to quality education and enhancing governance through digital transformation and capacity building were also key points.

Reinforcing the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) was reaffirmed by participants. They supported AU-led peace operations and highlighted the urgency of mobilising resources for AU Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development Goals.

The meeting focused on enhancing trade and investment. It emphasised the critical role of the private sector in providing a fair and resilient business environment. The Japanese foreign minister, Yoko Kamikawa, highlighted establishing a sustainable ecosystem for startups as significant.

Kamikawa also stressed creating a fair business environment. Enhancing the role of youth and women in economic transformation was another key point discussed.

Broad Participation

The event saw attendance from ministers and delegations from AU member states and Japan. Representatives from TICAD co-organisers like the United Nations, United Nations Development Programme, World Bank, and African Union Commission were present. International and regional organisations, private sector entities, and civil society organisations from Japan and Africa also participated.

The participants reaffirmed their commitment to addressing these critical issues through collaborative efforts. They recognised that innovative solutions are essential for sustainable development in Africa.

With inputs from WAM