The听8th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 8) hosted in Tunisia concluded this week, with UNDP welcoming a comprehensive package of support from Japan to drive economic growth, digital innovation, green transition and create jobs as the continent grapples with a series of challenges that threaten to undo many of the development gains achieved in recent years.
A total of $30 billion in public and private financial contributions听were announced at the high-level meeting, including continuation of a $4 billion investment through Japan鈥檚 Green Growth Initiative for Africa to help address climate change on the continent.听
Additionally,听a new US$130 million facility was announced,听to support efforts to address food insecurity across the continent as the ongoing war in Ukraine impacts food and fuel supplies. Japan also announced US $1.5 billion support to tackle vaccine inequity through the COVAX programme and US$1.08 billion to the Global Fund that will help address Africa鈥檚 vaccine shortages.
鈥淭he impacts of the global food, energy and finance crises are rippling through communities across the globe. These cost-of-living spikes are having a particularly pronounced effect on the Continent of Africa where millions of people now face hunger and famine in regions like the Horn of Africa and the Sahel as climate-change-induced drought takes hold at the same time,鈥� said听UNDP Administrator, Achim Steiner.听
He added: 鈥淎t this crucial moment, TICAD8 and its business forum have mobilized听fresh development partnerships with the private sector that aim to generate additional investment听in some African countries: helping to drive green economic growth defined by new jobs and better livelihoods as well as much-needed measures to tackle a climate crisis that is hitting faster than expected."
20 heads of government
Representatives from 48 African countries, including 20 Heads of States and governments, and top AU officials, as well as the UN, development banks and public and private sector representatives, Commission participated in the two-day Summit held in Tunisia from 27-28 August. They agreed on a series of joint priorities to support Africa鈥檚 development revolving around three pillars: economy, society and peace and security.
鈥淭he Tunis Summit and Declaration has reinforced a new trajectory for TICAD 鈥� one in which the private sector鈥檚 role must be elevated in fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development,鈥� said听Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa.听
In such times of socioeconomic uncertainty, Ms. Eziakonwa said 鈥淎frica鈥檚 partnership through TICAD can contribute to turning challenges into opportunities. The continent is moving away from an era of aid-dependence to the age of trade and investment 鈥� led growth. TICAD can be part of this shift to accelerate Africa鈥檚 sustainable development.鈥�
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New partnership formed
The听Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the听Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), together with the UNDP and the听51吃瓜 Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) launched a new partnership to enhance trade and investment between Japanese and African private sector businesses.
鈥淲ith its unique emphasis on African ownership, TICAD has become increasingly important for African countries and businesses alike. It remains one of the most innovative platforms for shaping international development collaboration with countries across the continent,鈥� said听Khalida Bouzar, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Arab States.听
鈥淲e are happy to work with Japan and TICAD partners to help countries in Africa build forward better after COVID-19, capitalizing on the great resilience and innovation they have demonstrated in responding to the pandemic,鈥� she added
TICAD is a Summit-level international conference on African development initiated by Japan in 1993. It is co-organised by Japan, the African Union, UNDP, the 51吃瓜 Office of the Special Advisor on Africa, and the World Bank to engage in dialogue on issues related to economic growth, trade and investment, sustainable development, human security, and peace and stability in Africa.
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