TICAD9 Concludes in Yokohama with Bold Commitments to Africa

(Press Release – Yokohama, 22 August 2025) – “AI must stand for Africa Included.” With this powerful message, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres opened TICAD9, calling for reforms in global governance, bold action on debt relief, and greater investment in youth, women, and digital innovation. Against this backdrop, the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) concluded in Yokohama, reaffirming Africa’s role not as a beneficiary, but as a driver and co-creator of solutions to global challenges. Under the theme “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa”, leaders and partners pledged to accelerate transformation through inclusive, sustainable, and resilient development.

Marking a historic milestone in TICAD’s 32-year history, the conference witnessed for the first time the launch of a youth-led declaration and action plan, formally recognized in the Plenary Session. This innovation transformed TICAD9 into a future-oriented platform for co-creation with the next generation at its center. UNDP and partners commended the Government of Japan for its vision, leadership, and generous support in ensuring youth voices and harnessing youth-led innovation and start-ups are now firmly embedded in the TICAD process.

As a co-organizer, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) emphasized innovation, youth empowerment, sustainable finance, and human security as central pillars for delivering on the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Over three days of high-level dialogues, UNDP supported co-chairs Japan and Angola to convene leaders from diverse sectors, advanced policy debates, and spotlighted initiatives that are scaling impact across the continent.

“TICAD9 has generated a lot of positive energy, focusing on co-creation and placing African communities at the center of their own development drive. Amidst growing global challenges, Japan is demonstrating through TICAD that purposeful multilateralism can achieve results by building resilience and accelerating investments. UNDP helps foster trust and brings expertise needed to support Africa to turn their inspirations into action,” said Haoliang Xu, UNDP Associate Administrator and Acting Administrator.

He emphasized that the three pillars of TICAD are especially relevant for Africa: prudent economic management to drive sustainable and inclusive growth, reduce poverty, create jobs and eliminate dependency; investment in society to strengthen human capital, build resilient communities and repair state–society relationships; and peace and security as essential foundations for economic growth and social stability.

Over the three days of deliberations, participants explored creative solutions to Africa’s complex socioeconomic and governance challenges and dared to envision a brighter future built on investment, partnership, and solidarity. Xu underscored that all stakeholders have a role to play in making this vision a reality, expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan for its generous support, and reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to accelerating the achievement of the SDGs and Agenda 2063 for all Africans.

UNDP Highlights at TICAD9

At TICAD9, UNDP placed strong emphasis on empowering youth, renewing approaches to human security, advancing digital transformation, strengthening finance for development, and promoting peace. Through the TICAD Youth Forum, young people’s voices were elevated in discussions on entrepreneurship, creativity, and future cooperation, underscoring their role as agents of change.

UNDP also launched a policy brief calling for renewed human security approaches to strengthen health, education, and social resilience. In the area of technology, a landmark partnership was sealed between Tokyo University’s Matsuo Institute, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and UNDP to build AI capacity for Africa. The partnership will focus on equipping young people with the skills needed for the digital future, promoting research collaboration, and ensuring practical applications of AI serve inclusive growth and development.

On financing, the AFRICONVERSE dialogue and the high-level session on Credit Rating in Africa advanced practical ideas for lowering borrowing costs and expanding investment opportunities. Finally, UNDP reinforced the importance of African-led solutions to conflict, good governance, and investment in community resilience as central to peace and stability.

At the same time, four leading development and trade organizations – the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) – renewed their quadripartite Statement of Intent to accelerate private sector–driven, sustainable growth across Africa.

Another landmark partnership was launched on road safety and technical skills development. Toyota Tsusho Corporation (TTC) and UNDP announced a collaboration to advance road safety and expand access to technical training for young people in Africa, starting in Senegal.

“Africa’s greatest asset is its people. Through TICAD9, we are investing in youth, nurturing entrepreneurship, and creating opportunities that match the scale of Africa’s aspirations,” said Ahunna Eziakonwa, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Africa. “The Yokohama Declaration provides a clear roadmap for Africa’s ambitions and the partnerships needed to achieve them.”

Looking ahead, UNDP will continue working closely with African governments, the Government of Japan, and TICAD partners to ensure the conference’s commitments translate into tangible impact for communities across the continent, laying the foundation for Africa’s leadership in a more resilient and inclusive global future.

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