Key Points

Yokohama successfully hosted the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development, strengthening ties between Japan and African nations. Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka announced significant contributions to the African Clean City initiative, drawing on Yokohama's urban development experience. The conference featured business showcases where Japanese companies and African partners demonstrated technological and product strengths. Educational exchanges and youth programs were highlighted as key components of the long-term partnership strategy.

Key Points: Yokohama Hosts 9th TICAD Strengthening Africa Japan Ties

  • Yokohama City announced new contributions to the African Clean City initiative
  • 47 countries and 200 cities represented by the African Clean Cities Platform
  • Japanese companies and African nations showcased technological strengths
  • Student exchange programs and themed school lunches foster next-generation ties
2 min read

Yokohama hosts 9th TICAD, strengthening Africa-Japan ties

Yokohama hosts the 9th TICAD, with Mayor Yamanaka announcing contributions to the African Clean City initiative and fostering new partnerships.

"To realise the clean city and healthy life of Africa, we make various initiatives - Takeharu Yamanaka, Mayor of Yokohama"

Yokohama, September 9

The 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) was held in Yokohama, marking the fourth time the city has hosted the event.

Participants included not only representatives from African nations and Japan, but also delegates from other Asian countries, partner nations, and international organisations.

The African Clean Cities Platform (ACCP), representing 47 countries and 200 cities, also participated.

Takeharu Yamanaka, Mayor of Yokohama City, said, "To realise the clean city and healthy life of Africa, we make various initiatives. We should share the experience of Yokohama city, Japan, and Africa to make a match and discuss. The Mayor of Yokohama, Takeharu Yamanaka, announced contributions to the African Clean City initiative, drawing on Yokohama's historical experience. At the business conference, Japanese companies and African nations showcased their strengths in technology, products, and other areas. Akiko Sugai from Yokohama City said, "Yokohama City consistently promotes international cooperation as part of its initiatives under TICAD. This includes areas such as waste resource management, water supply, and harbour maintenance. One ongoing initiative focuses on nurturing the next generation: high school students participate in mutual visits with partner countries, while junior high and primary school students learn about Africa through specially themed school lunches".

Student Volunteer said that "One year ago, I visited Africa, suspending university. In mainly east Africa, I experienced support for refugees, an internship at an apparel company, and volunteering".

One of the Visitors from Kenya, "This conference is about going into Africa. So how do they want to connect to Africa? So I'm still trying to figure out the direct contact between the Japanese companies in Africa. This system is very nice".

Akiko Sugai, Yokohama City, "In two years, Yokohama City will host the Green Expo. We will send the message of a new green society all over the world".

Through years of effort, Yokohama has built a clean and comfortable city, serving as an ideal model for the future of African societies.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The student exchange programs and school lunch initiatives are brilliant! Getting young people involved in international cooperation from an early age creates lasting bonds between nations. India should implement similar programs with African countries.
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Aman W
While Japan's efforts are commendable, I hope African nations maintain their sovereignty in these partnerships. Development should be on African terms, not imposed from outside. The Kenyan visitor's comment about figuring out direct contact shows healthy skepticism.
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Sarah B
The focus on practical solutions like waste management and water supply is what makes TICAD effective. Too many conferences end with just declarations, but this seems action-oriented. Yokohama's transformation into a clean city is impressive!
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Vikram M
As an Indian working in urban development, I'm taking notes! The African Clean Cities Platform covering 47 countries is massive. India could learn from Yokohama's experience in harbor maintenance and waste resource management. Our cities need similar clean initiatives.
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Nisha Z
Love that they're thinking long-term with the Green Expo in 2025. Climate change affects us all, and sharing green technology with African nations is crucial. Hope this leads to tangible benefits for local communities across Africa 🌍

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