Africa
Meeting between Prime Minister ISHIBA and Mahmoud Ali YOUSSOUF, Chairperson of the African Union Commission
August 20, 2025
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
On August 20, commencing at 09:23 a.m. for approximately 15 minutes, Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H. E. Mr. Mahmoud Ali YOUSSOUF, Chairperson, African Union Commission, who is visiting Japan to participate in the in the Nineth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9). The overview of the meeting is as follows:
- At the outset, Prime Minister Ishiba expressed his gratitude for the AU's close cooperation towards the success of TICAD9, stating that the AU's role is increasingly important following its official G20 membership. He expressed his expectation that the AU, under the AUC, will further lead Africa's future through youth development, strengthening industries that create employment, and regional integration. In response, Chairperson Youssouf, who also attended TICAD 1, expressed high appreciation for the relationship between Japan and Africa as well as Japan's past efforts in TICAD. He also stated his desire to cooperate closely towards the success of TICAD9, which is about to begin.
- Following this, Prime Minister Ishiba stated that Japan will continue to support Africa's own efforts in economic transformation, integration, peace, and stability based on the AU's "Agenda 2063," and expressed his desire to further cooperation with the AUC, including the implementation of policy dialogues, utilizing Japan’s expertise. In response, Chairperson Youssouf expressed his gratitude for Japan's support toward AUC and stated his desire to continue close cooperation towards Africa's development, including the co-creation of innovative solutions.