Japan has intensified its investment in Africa, with a focus on creating jobs, improving infrastructure, promoting agriculture, and supporting youth development.
As the ninth edition of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) approaches, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) confirmed its continued commitment to building climate resilience, expanding infrastructure, and enhancing human capital across the continent.
These efforts come at a critical time, as Africa’s youth face growing unemployment and global protectionism reshapes trade dynamics.
In an exclusive interview, Shuhei Ueno, Deputy Director-General of JICA’s Africa Department, stated that Japan has already achieved significant milestones since the TICAD8 conference.
Of the $5 billion pledged under the Enhanced Private Sector Assistance initiative (EPSA 6), close to $2.9 billion has been disbursed through co-financing arrangements with the African Development Bank and JICA.
Projects span agriculture financing in Nigeria, infrastructure development in Egypt, and public sector training programs that have already reached over 290,000 officials.
As plans for TICAD9 take shape, Japan’s focus will shift to youth employment, digital transformation, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Among the key new initiatives is an AI School in Kenya, developed in partnership with local universities to train Africa’s next generation of tech leaders.
“We want Japanese youth and African youth to work together,” said Ueno.
Africa has the population; Japan has the experience and technology. Together, we can co-create solutions for a better world.”
To counter rising trade tensions worldwide, Japan is convening a multilateral forum during TICAD9, bringing together countries such as Indonesia, Brazil, and Turkey, as well as AUDA-NEPAD.
The event will explore new ways of working together to support Africa’s development through shared expertise and coordinated action.
While governments and institutions work at the policy level, diaspora communities continue to shape Africa’s economic landscape in real time.
In Nigeria, remittances from citizens abroad have hit $21 billion this year, according to the Central Bank.
This figure has surpassed both foreign aid and foreign direct investment, underscoring the crucial role diaspora contributions play in the country’s daily survival.
As inflation soars and the naira struggles, Nigerian households are depending more than ever on support from family abroad.
The remittances help cover essentials like food, school fees, and hospital bills.
Analysts say the flow of money shows both the strength and fragility of the Nigerian economy, resilient thanks to its global citizens, but struggling to provide stable opportunities at home.
Innovation is also happening at the grassroots in places like Burkina Faso, where edible insects are reshaping food systems and livelihoods.
In Bobo-Dioulasso, the seasonal harvest of shea caterpillars, known as chitoumou, has evolved into a thriving street food business.
Women entrepreneurs are at the forefront, turning the once-humble insects into grilled snacks and hearty stews.
“They are nutritious, they taste good, and people are buying more every year,” said one vendor.
