TICAD: Tokyo Hosts Major African Development and Aid Conference

As chairman of the South African Chamber of Commerce in Japan, I attended two events related to the 8th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Ministerial Meeting on August 24 and 25. 

“Innovation in Africa,” at the Hotel New Otani Tokyo, was a panel discussion focused on the continent’s role in promoting sustainable development with artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and training to support and empower youth career prospects.

Delegations included foreign ministers from African countries, international organizations, African regional organizations, the private sector, the civil society, as well as the organizers which were the Japanese Government, United Nations Development Programme, World Bank and African Union Commission.

TICAD is an international conference led by Japan to discuss the development of Africa. TICAD 9 will be held from August 20 to 22, 2025 in Yokohama.

The second event featured South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, who addressed the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) in a round table on the topic: “The GNU priorities—towards deepening economic ties with Japan for mutual benefit.”

GNU means Government of National Unity and refers to SA’s first and current coalition after the African National Congress (ANC) lost its parliamentary majority. Observers say the GNU could have far-reaching implications for SA’s global ties.

Mr Lamola faced tough questions from major Japanese corporations with investment in SA about the difficulty of getting work visas, and about when Japan can expect a new SA ambassador.  He said the government is working to improve the visa situation and the new ambassador will be named soon after standard diplomatic procedures are followed. 

JETRO is a government-related organization that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. Originally established in 1958 to promote Japanese exports abroad, JETRO’s core focus in the 21st century has shifted toward promoting foreign direct investment into Japan and helping small to medium size Japanese firms maximize their global export potential.