Japan proposed on Wednesday, August 20, the creation of a common economic zone encompassing the Indian Ocean and Africa to leverage the continent’s economic potential, where China has been steadily increasing its influence.
According to an article published by Lusa, the proposal was presented by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba during the opening of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), in Yokohama, co-chaired by Japan and Angola.
“We will strengthen regional connectivity and build a free and fair economic zone,” declared Ishiba, who also proposed the launch of a framework involving governments, industries, and academia to promote free trade in Africa.
During the forum, the Japanese government is expected to announce a collaboration program with a postgraduate research laboratory at the University of Tokyo, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and African universities.
The initiative aims to train around 30,000 people in Artificial Intelligence (AI) over the next three years, according to Japanese media. Representatives from about 50 countries and organizations are participating in the conference, which focuses on discussions about economic cooperation with Japan, development aid, and the challenges faced by Africa. Organizers expect the number of participants to exceed 10,000 this year, prompting the deployment of a large security operation. On Tuesday (19), traffic was cut off around the forum venue to prevent disruptions and threats.
The debates of this 9th edition revolve around three pillars: peace and stability, economic issues, and social matters such as health, climate change, and youth talent exchange.
The adoption of the “Yokohama Declaration,” aimed at promoting Africa’s development through cooperation between Japan and the African Union, is scheduled for Friday.
The conference’s outcomes are expected to be presented by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Angolan President João Lourenço at a joint press conference.
TICAD is a Japanese government initiative that began in 1993. The hosting has alternated with Tunisia, where the previous edition took place in 2022.
China also holds an African cooperation forum, launched in 2000, and has steadily increased its participation and influence on the continent, rich in resources, notably through the Belt and Road Initiative — an infrastructure and trade project launched by China in 2013 to connect Asia, Europe, and Africa through a network of land and maritime routes.
TICAD takes place at a time marked by the United States’ aggressive tariff policies and shifting approaches to international aid from Washington, casting uncertainty over Africa’s economic and development prospects.
Source: Diário Económico
