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Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Ministerial Meeting

Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Ministerial Meeting Held

The African Development Council (TICAD) Ministerial Meeting will be held in the form of a video conference from 8:00 pm (Japan time) on March 26 for about two and a half hours and from 8:00 pm (Japan time) on March 27 for about two and a half hours. , Japan's Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi chaired and Takako Suzuki, Deputy Foreign Minister Takako Suzuki, acted as acting chair.
As a result of the meeting, a summary of the chair was issued.
Minister Hayashi also took this opportunity to hold bilateral talks with foreign ministers from seven African countries.

  1. At this meeting, we discussed priorities in African development for TICAD 8 in August this year, based on the three pillars of economy, society, peace and stability. The meeting will be attended by 50 African countries (43 ministerial level participants), co-sponsors (United Nations, United Nations Development Program (UNDP), World Bank and African Union Commission (AUC)), and the Japanese private sector. did.
  2. Minister Hayashi said that while the new Corona has a tremendous impact on Africa's economy and society, Japan will focus on "people" and "quality of growth" under the philosophy of human security. He stated that he would support the realization of the development goals "Agenda 2063" and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition, Russia's invasion of Ukraine this time is a one-sided change in the status quo by force, and it is never recognized as a violation of international law that shakes the foundation of the international order, and it is necessary for the international community to deal with it in unison. I emphasized. Furthermore, from Minister Hayashi, under the vision of "Free and Open Indo-Pacific," the importance of building a free and open international order based on rules, the importance of fairness and transparency in development finance, and He also addressed the need for UN Security Council reform.
  3. Deputy Minister Suzuki mentioned that "solidarity" is required in addition to "protection" and "capacity strengthening" in order to realize human security, and Japan continues to support the overcoming of the new corona in Africa. In addition to doing so, he stated that he would invest in "people" and provide support in the environmental field. He also stated that he would support Africa's efforts to establish democracy and promote the rule of law in order to achieve sustainable peace and stability.
  4. In response, African countries expressed their appreciation for Japan's contribution to African development through the TICAD process, and expressed their gratitude for Japan's support, including support for COVAX, vaccine provision, and cold chain development. African countries also expressed concern about the situation in Ukraine and its implications, and mentioned the need for cooperation by the international community.
  5. Japan and African countries have confirmed that they will continue to work closely together toward the success of TICAD 8 in August this year.

Statement by Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi


Excellencies, Distinguished delegates,

Thank you for joining us today. I am very pleased to host the TICAD Ministerial Meeting. I now declare the opening of the TICAD Ministerial Meeting. I would like to start by saying a few words on this occasion.

One of the biggest changes to hit Africa since TICAD 7 is COVID-19. The pandemic has brought some economic and social vulnerabilities to the forefront.

In addition, Russia's recent aggression against Ukraine is a unilateral change of the status quo by force and an act that shakes the very foundations of the international order. Russia's aggression against Ukraine disregards these fundamental principles. It also affects energy and food supply, and the African economy. Now is the time for Japan and Africa to work together to create a sustainable society and Japan looks forward to a candid exchange. of views.

Japan has contributed to Africa's development including through TICAD, with its history of over a quarter of a century. Under the principle of human security, Japan will continue to support the realization of Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals, with an emphasis on “people ”And“ quality growth ”. Based on these thoughts, I would like to state three ideas.

Firstly, in order to build a resilient economy for build back better, Japan will support private companies' expansion into Africa. Today, we are joined by Mr. Iwai, Chairman of the Africa Project Team of Keizai Doyukai, who can share business perspective. We should capitalize on this momentum and use the power of the private sector as a driving force to set out a pathway for development in the post- COVID-era.

Secondly, based on the principle of human security, we will redouble our efforts, towards a sustainable and resilient society in the health sector where vulnerabilities have been exposed by the pandemic, with a view to achieving universal health coverage. In addition, we will commit. to human resources development of those who will contribute to African development in the post-COVID-era as well as to the resolution of pressing environmental issues.

Thirdly, universal values such as freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law have been seriously challenged. Against this substrates, Japan is determined to establish a free and open international order based on the rule of law under the vision of a “Free) and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) ”. In cooperation with African countries, we will aim to realize peace and prosperity in the Asia-Africa region, and the world as a whole.

In today's “Economy” session, we will discuss measures to address economic disparities and achieve sustainable and inclusive growth. In order to achieve build back better and promote the SDGs, it is important to encourage more private investment, while leveraging digital and other means.

Therefore, looking ahead to TICAD 8, Japan will propose specific measures to support solution-oriented businesses on social issues, with particular focus on startups. In addition, we will cooperate to expand “green” related businesses with a view to promoting decarbonization as a new driving force for Africa's development.

In particular, it is urgent for us to address the development finance not adhering to international rules and standards including unfair and opaque lending practices.

For example, there are cases where the lending country influences the policy decisions of the borrowing country through forcing the borrowing country to accept in advance a contractual clause that enables the lending country to receive a lump sum repayment on the reason of a policy change occurred in There are also cases where the lending country acquires the long-term operating rights of the developed port in the event that the debt cannot be repaid. We must not allow such financing practices to prevail and destabilize the developing economies most in need of financial resources.

Japan will work with international organizations to create an environment in which developing countries, especially those in Africa, do not have to rely on such financing, through capacity-building support in the area of debt management.

What measures do you think should be taken to pave the way for further growth of African economies?

Thank you for your attention.

Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Ministerial Meeting