TICAD 9 in Yokohama: African and Japanese Leaders Address Economic and Security Challenges

Heads of State and Government, together with delegations from Japan and African Union Member States, convened in Yokohama, Japan, for the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9). Representatives of co-organizers, including the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations (UN), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the World Bank, participated in the high-level dialogue.

At the conference, leaders highlighted concerns raised by the International Monetary Fund’s April 2025 World Economic Outlook. The report paints a subdued global economic picture, noting slow GDP growth, high debt levels, rising protectionism, increasing inequality, and inflationary pressures that threaten macroeconomic stability.

African leaders stressed that poverty remains the most pressing global challenge, particularly on the continent. They emphasized that eliminating poverty is essential for sustainable development. Leaders also noted recent geo-strategic shifts that indicate weakening multilateralism and the reduced effectiveness of global institutions.

Despite Africa’s GDP growth forecasts for 2025 and 2026 exceeding global averages, leaders stated that growth alone is insufficient to address poverty, create adequate jobs, and service debt. They stressed that while Africa possesses significant natural and human resources, the continent remains vulnerable to external shocks. Leaders called for enabling environments that foster innovation across all sectors to accelerate socio-economic transformation.

Democratic progress in several African countries was acknowledged and commended. However, leaders expressed deep concern over persistent hotspots of tension and armed conflict, particularly those fueled by terrorism. These crises create severe humanitarian challenges, undermine economic prospects, negatively impact human development, and deplete natural, physical, and financial resources. They also raise perceived risks and place a heavier burden on public finances.

In response, leaders emphasized the need for coordinated, gradual, and context-specific actions to reverse negative dynamics and fully leverage emerging opportunities. TICAD 9 reinforced the commitment of African and Japanese leaders, alongside international partners, to strengthen cooperation in economic development, peace, and stability across the continent.

The conference concluded with a call to accelerate collaborative strategies that promote innovation, sustainable growth, and inclusive development, recognizing that Africa’s future prosperity depends on effective partnerships and long-term planning.