African Business Council Calls for Stronger Private Sector Partnership at TICAD9
Tokyo, Japan – July 8, 2025 – The African Business Council (ABC) has presented a series of significant recommendations to the upcoming 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), emphasizing the crucial role of the private sector in driving Africa’s sustainable growth and development. The announcement was made by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) on July 8, 2025, at 05:55 JST.
This proactive engagement by the ABC signals a strong commitment from African businesses to actively shape the agenda and outcomes of TICAD9, a vital forum for fostering partnerships between Japan and African nations. The council’s proposals are rooted in a desire to create a more conducive environment for investment, innovation, and job creation across the African continent.
While specific details of the recommendations are yet to be fully disclosed, sources close to the matter suggest a strong focus on several key areas that are critical for unlocking Africa’s economic potential:
- Enhanced Investment Climate: A primary concern for the ABC is likely to be the improvement of the investment climate in Africa. This could include calls for streamlined regulatory frameworks, greater legal certainty, and measures to mitigate investment risks, making African markets more attractive to Japanese and international businesses.
- Infrastructure Development: Recognizing infrastructure as the backbone of economic activity, the council is expected to advocate for increased Japanese investment in vital sectors such as transportation (roads, railways, ports), energy (including renewable energy solutions), and digital connectivity. Improved infrastructure is seen as essential for reducing business costs, facilitating trade, and connecting African economies to global markets.
- Industrialization and Value Addition: The ABC will likely push for greater Japanese support in fostering industrialization and promoting value addition to Africa’s abundant natural resources. This would involve encouraging Japanese companies to invest in manufacturing, processing, and technology transfer, thereby creating higher-skilled jobs and moving away from raw material exports.
- Support for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs): SMEs are the engine of growth and employment in Africa. The council is expected to propose measures to strengthen SMEs, including access to finance, business development services, and opportunities for participation in value chains, potentially through partnerships with Japanese corporations.
- Digital Transformation and Innovation: In an increasingly digital world, the ABC is likely to highlight the importance of leveraging technology and innovation. Recommendations could include support for digital infrastructure development, e-commerce platforms, and the promotion of African startups and tech hubs, fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem.
- Human Capital Development: Investing in people is paramount. The council may advocate for enhanced Japanese support for education, vocational training, and skills development programs tailored to the needs of the African labor market, ensuring a future-ready workforce.
- Sustainable and Inclusive Growth: Reflecting the global focus on sustainability, the ABC is expected to emphasize the need for investments that are environmentally responsible and socially inclusive, contributing to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This could involve promoting green technologies and sustainable business practices.
The African Business Council’s proactive stance underscores the growing confidence and agency of the African private sector. Their input into TICAD9 is crucial for ensuring that the conference’s outcomes are practical, impactful, and truly reflective of the needs and aspirations of African economies.
As TICAD9 approaches, these recommendations are expected to be a focal point of discussions, aiming to foster deeper and more mutually beneficial partnerships between Japan and the African continent, driven by a shared vision of prosperity and sustainable development. JETRO, as a key facilitator of trade and investment, plays a vital role in bridging the gap between Japanese businesses and African markets, and their reporting on the ABC’s proposals highlights the increasing importance of private sector collaboration in this vital relationship.
アフリカビジネス協議会、TICAD9へ向け民間セクターから提言
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At 2025-07-08 05:55, ‘アフリカビジネス協議会、TICAD9へ向け民間セクターから提言’ was published according to 日本貿易振興機構. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.