Yokohama, Japan – August 23, 2025 — H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), has concluded a successful participation at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (#TICAD9), held in Yokohama from August 20–22, 2025. His engagements underscored Africa’s strategic vision for a dynamic partnership with Japan, reaffirming TICAD as a cornerstone for shared prosperity, peace, and sustainable development.
Keynote: Call for Bold, Innovative Partnerships
In his keynote address at the opening ceremony, Chairperson Youssouf praised the enduring partnership between Africa and Japan, grounded in mutual respect and shared priorities. He urged bold, transformative solutions aligned with Agenda 2063 and TICAD9’s central themes of peace, growth, and inclusivity.
Highlighting the African Continental Free Trade Area (@AfCFTA) as a “catalyst of energy, opportunity, and investment,” he called for mobilizing private capital, accelerating digital transformation, and expanding Africa’s infrastructure and innovation ecosystems.
High-Level Strategic Engagements
On the sidelines of TICAD9, Chairperson Youssouf held a series of strategic discussions:
- With Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru: The two leaders reaffirmed Japan’s role as a trusted partner, particularly after the AU’s accession to the G20. They pledged stronger cooperation in trade, technology, and policy dialogue under the TICAD framework.
- With JICA President ( @jica_direct_en ): Talks focused on boosting collaboration in peace and security, infrastructure, innovation, and human capital development, leveraging Japan’s technical expertise for Africa’s transformation.
- With IFC Managing Director Muktar Diop: Both sides explored how private capital can drive Africa’s economic growth, particularly in infrastructure, agriculture, the green transition, and digital innovation. They agreed to intensify AU–IFC collaboration to unlock financing for African entrepreneurs.
AU Showcases Africa’s Priorities
AU Commissioners and senior officials actively engaged in TICAD9 side events, spotlighting Africa’s priorities in food systems transformation, climate resilience, energy access, youth empowerment, peace and security, and digital inclusion.
The conference concluded with the adoption of the Yokohama Declaration, reaffirming Africa–Japan cooperation in infrastructure, trade, agriculture, peace and security, digital transformation, and technology.
Closing: A Custodian of Partnership
In his closing remarks, Chairperson Youssouf recalled his personal participation in every TICAD since its inception, describing himself as a custodian of this unique partnership. He hailed TICAD’s legacy of trust and consistency, emphasizing that TICAD9 has opened a new chapter of pragmatic Africa–Japan cooperation.
Reaffirming the AU’s determination to drive Agenda 2063, he called for sustained political will, innovation, and inclusive collaboration:
“TICAD is not just a platform of dialogue — it is a bridge of trust between Africa and Asia, and a driver of our shared future.”
📌 Source: African Union Commission — au.int/en/pressreleas…
