The TICAD Ministerial Meeting was held via videoconference for two and a half hours from 8pm (Japan time) on 26 March and for two and a half hours from 8pm (Japan time) on 27 March, with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi presiding and Deputy Foreign Minister Takako Suzuki acting as chair.
A Chairman's Summary was issued as a result of the meeting.
Minister Hayashi also used the opportunity to hold bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers and others from seven African countries.

1. The meeting discussed priority issues in African development based on the three pillars of economic, social, peace and stability in preparation for TICAD 8 in August this year. The meeting was attended by 50 African countries (43 ministerial-level participants), co-organisers (United Nations, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Bank and African Union Commission (AUC)) and the Japanese private sector.
2. Minister Hayashi stated that while the new Corona will have an enormous impact on African economies and societies, Japan will support the realisation of Africa's development goals, Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on "people" and "quality of growth" under the principle of human security. He stated. He also stressed that Russia's recent aggression against Ukraine was a unilateral change of the status quo by force, an act that violates international law and shakes the very foundations of the international order, and that it must be dealt with in unison by the international community. Minister Hayashi also highlighted the importance of building a free and open international order based on rules under the vision of a 'free and open Indo-Pacific', the importance of fairness and transparency in development finance and the need for UN Security Council reform.
3. Suzuki mentioned the need for "solidarity" in addition to "protection" and "capacity building" in order to realise human security, and stated that Japan would continue to support the overcoming of the new corona in Africa, as well as investing in "people" and providing assistance in the environmental field. He also stated that Japan would support Africa's efforts to consolidate democracy and promote the rule of law in order to realise sustainable peace and stability.
4. In response, African countries and others expressed their appreciation of Japan's contribution to African development through the TICAD process and their gratitude for Japan's support, including support for COVAX, provision of vaccines and cold chain development. African countries also expressed concern about the situation in Ukraine and its impact, and referred to the need for the international community to cooperate.
5. Japan and African countries and others confirmed that they will continue to work closely together towards the success of TICAD 8 in August this year.

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 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 an unilateral change of the status quo by force and an act that shakes the very The issue at stake is not to choose which side to stand on. The international community should stand on, such as the United Nations Charter prohibiting the threat or use of force and basic human rights. It also affects energy and food supply, and the African Therefore, the international community needs to address the situation in a concerted manner to protect the life of African people. 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. of human security, Japan will continue to support the realisation 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, We are joined by Mr. Iwai, Chairman of the Africa Project Team of Keizai Doyukai, who can share a business perspective. We should capitalise on this momentum. The private sector is 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 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.

Against this backdrop, Japan is The International Commission on Economic Cooperation and Development (ICESC) has decided 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 realise 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 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 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 The Government of the Republic of Korea has a contractual clause that allows the lending country to receive a lump sum repayment on the grounds that a policy change has occurred in the country. There are also cases where the lending country acquires the long-term operating We must not allow such financing practices to prevail and destabilise the Developing economies most in need of financial resources.

Japan will work with international organisations 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