Japan Prioritizes Youth Employment and Digital Innovation for TICAD9 Africa Summit

Japan is intensifying its African engagement ahead of the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9),with ambitious plans centered on youth employment,digital transformation,and climate resilience. The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has already deployed $2.9 billion of a pledged $5 billion private sector investment package,signaling sustained commitment despite global economic headwinds.

In an exclusive interview,Shuhei Ueno,Deputy Director General of JICA’s Africa Department,outlined Japan’s strategic pivot toward technology-driven development partnerships. A flagship initiative includes establishing an “AI School” in Kenya through collaboration with local universities,aimed at cultivating Africa’s next generation of technology leaders.

Since TICAD8,Japanese development assistance has yielded tangible results,including agricultural financing programs in Nigeria,infrastructure development in Egypt,and training for over 290,000 African public officials. These achievements underscore Tokyo’s long-term approach to capacity building rather than purely transactional aid relationships.

Looking forward,TICAD9 will emphasize trade integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) while addressing youth unemployment through innovation-focused initiatives. Japan plans to convene a multilateral forum featuring Indonesia,Brazil,Turkey,and AUDA-NEPAD to explore collaborative development models,countering rising protectionist tendencies globally.

Meanwhile,African economies increasingly rely on diaspora remittances for stability. Nigeria exemplifies this trend,with $21 billion in remittances this year surpassing both foreign aid and direct investment,according to Central Bank data. This financial lifeline supports millions of families amid surging inflation and currency pressures,highlighting both economic resilience and domestic opportunity constraints.

In Burkina Faso,grassroots innovation takes the form of edible insect entrepreneurship. Women vendors in Bobo-Dioulasso are transforming shea caterpillars into profitable street food businesses,demonstrating how traditional practices can evolve into sustainable livelihoods. These protein-rich insects,known locally as chitoumou,represent both cultural heritage and economic opportunity in one of West Africa’s poorest nations.