Japan Pledges Billions, AI Training Scheme To Deepen Africa Ties At TICAD 9

Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has unveiled plans for a new “Indian Ocean–Africa economic zone” to link African economies with India and the Middle East, using trade and investment as a driver of growth.

Speaking at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), Ishiba announced Tokyo’s pledge of $5.5 billion in loans through the African Development Bank to ease debt burdens and promote sustainable development.

Japan also committed to training 30,000 artificial intelligence specialists over the next three years to boost Africa’s digital workforce and expand job opportunities.

Global leaders at the summit stressed the urgency of granting African nations greater influence in international financial and decision-making systems, citing persistent obstacles to affordable capital for infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects.

Delegates from nearly 50 African countries joined representatives of global organizations at TICAD 9, which focuses on economic growth, health, education, peace, and climate action. The conference will wrap up with the adoption of the “Yokohama Declaration.”