TICAD7 Advancing Africa's Development through People, Technology and Innovation

You might have heard of TICAD7 in 2019. There may be readers who know that it is an international conference on Africa but are not familiar with the details. This special feature presents TICAD7 which was held in Yokohama in August. (See Chapter 2-7-1)

Heads of State, Government and delegation attending TICAD7, August 28 (Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)

What is TICAD?

The Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) is an international conference on Africa's development initiated by Japan in 1993. It supports African development under the basic principles of African ownership and international partnership.

TICAD7: Theme and Overview

● TICAD7 was held from August 28 to 30 in Yokohama. It gathered more than 10,000 people, including 42 African leaders as well as representatives of international organizations, partner countries and NGOs for discussions on Africa's development.

● Prime Minister Abe co-chaired TICAD7 with President El-Sisi of Egypt (Chair of the African Union [AU]). Deputy Prime Minister Aso served as acting chair of Japan. Attendees from the Government of Japan included Foreign Minister Kono, other ministers concerned.

● Under the theme of Advancing Africa's Development through People, Technology and Innovation, discussions took place on the three pillars of the economy, society, and peace and stability. In particular, business promotion was the main focus of discussion at TICAD7, based on requests from Japanese private companies and the African side. For the first time in TICAD's history, private companies from Japan and Africa participated as official partners.

● At the closing session, the Yokohama Declaration 2019 was adopted, and the Yokohama Plan of Actions 2019 was announced as an accompanying document. In addition, the Government of Japan released a document called TICAD7: Japan's Contributions for Africa, which outlines Japan's support measures.

Prime Minister Abe delivering a keynote address at the Opening Session, August 28

Bilateral Summit and Foreign Ministers' Meetings with Africa

On the margins of TICAD7, Prime Minister Abe held 47 meetings and Foreign Minister Kono held 25 meetings with the heads of African countries and international organizations, foreign ministers, and others. At the meetings, leaders exchanged views on bilateral relations, cooperation in the international arena including United Nations Security Council reform, and issues concerning North Korea. African leaders and other representatives expressed appreciation for Japan's contribution to Africa through the TICAD process.

Meeting with President Ramaphosa of the Republic of South Africa, August 28

Meeting with President Talon of Benin, August 30 (Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)

The Third Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize

On August 30, on the occasion of TICAD7, the Third Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize Award Ceremony and the Commemorative Banquet were hosted by Prime Minister Abe in the presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress. Approximately 170 people attended these events. The Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize was established in memory of Dr. Hideyo Noguchi to honor individuals or organizations who have made outstanding achievements in the fields of medical research and medical services in Africa. The Third Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize was awarded to Dr. Muyembe-Tamfum from the Democratic Republic of the Congo for his research on Ebola and other deadly viruses and his efforts for human resources development in the field of diseases control, and to Dr. Omaswa from the Republic of Uganda for his dedication to human resources development in the field of health and medicine as well as building of health system.

Prime Minister Abe and Dr. Muyembe-Tamfum at the award ceremony

Toast by His Majesty the Emperor at the commemorative banquet

Dr. Omaswa delivering an address at the commemorative banquet

A Variety of Activities at TICAD7

A variety of events were held at TICAD7 with lively participation by citizens, contributing to the promotion of friendly relations and mutual understanding between Japan and Africa.

Women in kimono with African-countries-inspired designs offered hospitality─Banquet hosted by the Prime Minister, August 29

African leaders were greeted by a wadaiko (Japanese drums) performance
Welcome reception co-hosted by the Prime Minister and the Mayor of the City of Yokohama, August 28

Elementary school students gifted paintings to an African ambassador to Japan─Yokohama “One School, One Country” Program, August 27 (Photo: City of Yokohama)