President William Ruto will join 40 African heads of state and government in Yokohama, Japan, for the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), which kicks off on Wednesday. The summit offers African nations an important platform to deepen partnerships with Japan, a longstanding ally in health, infrastructure, and youth development.
The TICAD process, launched in 1993, has over the past three decades become a pioneering framework for Africa’s development. It emphasizes “African Ownership” and “International Partnership,” bringing together governments, international organizations, businesses, and academia to co-create solutions for the continent’s challenges. The last edition was held in Tunisia three years ago.
Japan has been one of Kenya’s most reliable development partners. It has supported key health initiatives through the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), invested in critical infrastructure projects, and funded youth empowerment programs. These interventions have played a major role in advancing Kenya’s development agenda.
Ahead of the summit, Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reaffirmed his country’s commitment to accelerating Africa’s economic transformation by promoting private sector growth and fostering innovation. “Africa has vast potential, and it is time we harness that for mutual benefit,” Ishiba said. He reflected on his first visit to Africa in 2000, when he was struck by the energy and promise of young students in Senegal, noting that much of that vision is now coming to fruition.
The Yokohama summit will take place at a pivotal time, as 2025 marks a milestone year with Africa simultaneously hosting TICAD 9 and South Africa presiding over the G20. This convergence is expected to elevate Africa’s voice in global economic and political discussions.
TICAD 9 will run under the theme “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa.” Japan intends to harness its technological expertise while integrating Africa’s homegrown ideas to address pressing challenges such as healthcare, climate resilience, and industrialization.
For Kenya, President Ruto’s presence underscores the importance of leveraging Japan’s partnership to drive his Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, with a focus on creating jobs, building resilient infrastructure, and empowering the country’s youth.
