TICAD 9 ends with Yokohama Declaration emphasizing multilateral trade

JAPAN/AFRICA – The Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) has concluded in Yokohama with the adoption of the Yokohama Declaration reaffirming the importance of multilateral trade.

The summit was held from August 20 to 22, 2025, bringing together Japanese and African leaders alongside international organizations.

The declaration set a clear direction for strengthening links between Africa and the Indo-Pacific region. It also outlined new commitments under an initiative announced earlier this week by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, aimed at boosting investment, industrial growth and human resource development.

“We will work further to expand investments for the future of Africa, enhance industrial cooperation and develop human resources,” Ishiba said during the closing press conference. He noted that Japan intends to present a development model based on partnership, which differs from approaches taken by other global powers in Africa.

The conference brought together African leaders, the Japanese government, the United Nations and other partners over three days in Yokohama, near Tokyo.

The discussions placed strong emphasis on how Africa can benefit from open, rules-based trade systems centered on the World Trade Organization.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who chaired sessions at TICAD 9, stressed the role of business in advancing Africa’s growth. “We will promote the expansion of Japanese companies into Africa and the development of local industries on the continent,” he said.

“It’s more important than ever to leverage the energy of the private sector for the sustainable development of Africa, amid growing demand for funding to address social and economic challenges.”

Kishida explained that Japan will expand solution-based aid through the Japan International Cooperation Agency and support collaboration between Japanese firms and African startups.

Agriculture and food systems in the spotlight

The Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) also played a prominent role during the summit, leading side events that highlighted strategies for strengthening African agriculture.

Working with the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, SAA hosted sessions on building sustainable food systems, advancing regenerative farming practices, and empowering youth and smallholder farmers.

SAA’s presentations emphasized the importance of nutrition-focused farming, digital extension tools and inclusive market growth. The organization also drew attention to its field experience in countries such as Uganda, Ethiopia and Nigeria.

By closing with the Yokohama Declaration, TICAD 9 positioned itself as a platform for deepening cooperation between Japan and Africa in trade, agriculture and human capacity.

Leaders at the summit agreed that greater private sector involvement and stronger international cooperation will remain essential for Africa’s long-term growth.

Japan’s government signaled that it will continue to align its efforts with African priorities while promoting a multilateral trade system. “Africa’s future is tied to open trade and shared investment,” Ishiba said, adding that Japan intends to strengthen its engagement with the continent in the years ahead.

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