Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Wednesday proposed an economic zone connecting the Indian Ocean to Africa as part of the country's efforts to strengthen its influence in Africa amid a decreasing U.S. presence and growing Chinese influence.
Opening the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), Ishiba pledged to boost business and investment in Africa and promote free trade by linking the Indian Ocean region with the continent.
“Japan believes in Africa’s future,” Ishiba stated. “Japan supports the African Continental Free Trade Area,” which is aimed at enhancing Africa’s competitiveness.
This year’s summit takes place amid challenges like U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff wars and cuts to foreign aid, which have impacted development in Africa. Meanwhile, China has been expanding its presence since 2000 through infrastructure and loan projects. The three-day summit in Yokohama, near Tokyo, focuses on economic growth, peace, stability, health, climate change, and education, with over 50 African nations and international organizations represented. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that Africa must have a stronger voice in global decision-making, highlighting its underrepresentation.
Under the Indian Ocean-Africa economic zone initiative, Japan plans to encourage investment from Japanese companies in India and the Middle East into Africa.
ABC News
Ishiba also announced Japan will extend loans of up to $5.5 billion in collaboration with the African Development Bank to address Africa’s debt issues and promote sustainable development. Additionally, Japan intends to support training 30,000 AI experts over the next three years to foster digitalization and create jobs.
Guterres stressed the need for a fairer international financial system that gives Africa a stronger voice in decision-making. He also pointed out that building AI capacity in Africa would help bridge the region’s digital divide.
The summit will likely conclude with the adoption of a “Yokohama Declaration,” with Ishiba expected to announce the outcomes at a press conference on Friday.