We Are Tomodachi Autumn 2016

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6　Japan and Africa have had an impactful and unique relationship for several decades. Japan long has developed a positive leadership role in Africa’s development. 　One of the most important and most visible features of Japan’s relationship with Africa is the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD). TICAD, initiated by the government of Japan in 1993, is a multilateral and international forum that focuses entirely on African development. The sixth installment of TICAD will occur this August in Kenya. TICAD is one of the oldest international forums in which issues related to Africa’s development are discussed among multiple stakeholders. The TICAD organizers invite African heads of states, international and regional development organizations, representatives of the private sector, development partners, and representatives of civil society. 　From 1993, TICAD was held every five years in Japan. At TICAD V in 2013, the sponsors decided to change its cycle to every three years, with the hosting country alternating between Japan and an African country. TICAD VI will be held outside Japan for the first time, in Nairobi, Kenya, in August 2016. Following the success of TICAD V, expectations are high for the first TICAD on the African continent. Deciding to hold TICAD VI in Kenya is meant to move the proceedings away from a Tokyo-centric forum on African development to an Africa-focused forum. Indeed, this is considered a major milestone and a specific demonstration towards achieving a more strategic partnership between African countries and Japan. And it underscores the spirit of partnership and ownership underpinning the formation of the TICAD process in 1993. 　Since its inception, TICAD has provided fundamental and comprehensive policy guidelines on African development. TICAD has evolved into a major global framework to facilitate the implementation of initiatives for promoting African development under the dual principles of African ownership and international partnership. For the initial TICAD meetings, Japan’s contributions to Africa primarily were in the areas of development assistance and poverty reduction. Other TICAD meetings focused on social development sectors, including education, health, and community development. Latter TICAD meetings emphasized infrastructural investment and the effects of climate change. 　The upcoming TICAD VI more specifically is based on three pillars: 　1. Promoting economic transformation through industrialization　2. Promoting resilient health systems for improved quality of life　3. Promoting social stability for shared prosperity　Given these themes, Japan has contributed to Africa in many specific ways. First, following TICAD V in 2013, the government of Japan shifted its focus towards Japanese private-sector investment in Africa. TICAD VI will feature inclusion of the Japanese and African private sectors in promoting socioeconomic development. According to Ambassador Ben Ogutu, the director of the TICAD VI Secretariat, the upcoming event will capture the essence of job creation. 　Additionally, in 2013, Prime Minister Abe’s pledge of USD 32 billion to be invested over the subsequent five years constituted a significant increase in Japanese investment. The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) initiated a program that helps African countries achieve sustainable economic growth by working with them to strengthen export industries. Moreover, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is supporting programs promoting human resource development for industry and business in Africa. 　A second contribution from TICAD was Prime Japan and Africa

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