Africa and Japan Deepen Ties at TICAD Summit

When African heads of state and business leaders gathered in Tokyo for the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), the atmosphere was more than ceremonial. The summit produced hundreds of deals covering infrastructure, trade, technology, and renewable energy — signaling a new phase in Africa-Japan relations.

While much of the global spotlight often falls on China’s Belt and Road Initiative or Western aid programs, the Japanese approach — quiet, deliberate, and rooted in partnership — is carving its own lane. For Africa, the TICAD summit is more than another global meeting. It represents a chance to diversify partnerships, attract investment, and reaffirm agency in shaping its development path.