At the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), Japan announced a landmark $5.5 billion investment package for Africa, aimed at strengthening youth innovation, women’s empowerment, and regional integration to drive sustainable economic growth across the continent.
Japan’s Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, emphasized the country’s commitment to co-creation with Africa, noting Japan’s ageing population as a reason for tapping into Africa’s evolving talent pool. “Japan is providing various cooperation and support for Africa. But first of all, Japan needs to know more about Africa. So, in creating solutions together, this co-creation at TICAD 9 focuses on three important areas: private sector-led sustainable growth, Youth and Women, and Regional integration and connectivity within and beyond Africa,” he said.
Africa remains the world’s youngest continent, with 60% of its population under 25 years as of 2024. That figure is expected to surge to 830 million by 2050, creating both challenges and opportunities. Japan, the world’s third-largest economy, now positions itself as a key partner for African nations looking to harness this demographic dividend. Nigeria, in particular, will seek to extend its $1 billion trade portfolio with Japan, focusing on high-tech innovation, agriculture, renewable energy, healthcare, and information technology.
Earlier last week, President Bola Tinubu stressed the importance of global collaboration in technology, calling for digital innovation to be a tool for “positive change, peace, and trust, rather than division.” For Nigerian youths and talents, this partnership promises a platform to showcase innovation globally, improve skills, and secure investment opportunities that could reshape the continent’s future.
Photo credit: Unsplash
0 Comments