Japan's deep commitment to Africa

Japan is determined to contribute to the development of Africa. Although there are few historical ties with the continent (indeed Tokyo did not open full-fledged relations with African countries until they had declared their independence from colonial rule after the Second World War), Japan does hold a strong belief that there will be no stability or prosperity in the world unless the problems of Africa are resolved.

Japan's commitment was demonstrated in launching the TICAD process and shifting the international community's attention back to Africa in the 1990s, after the end of the Cold War appeared to focus global interest elsewhere.

Through TICAD Japan has promoted the principles of both global partnership and African ownership. As stated in the Tokyo Agenda for Action adopted at TICAD II in 1998, Japan and its African partners believe that priorities for economic and social development should be determined by African countries themselves, and development should be pursued under a common framework for cooperation among all development actors. Japan's work through TICAD complements the substantial overseas development aid which it has directed towards African countries.

It is from this standpoint that Japan firmly welcomed the launch of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) in 2001, at which Africa's leaders proclaimed the principle of ownership in development. They stated: "we will determine our own destiny and call on the world to complement our efforts." They also stressed their determination to meet pre-requisites for development such as peace, security, democracy, good governance, and sound economic management. With such principles, it is clear that NEPAD is building upon key elements that are also embraced by Japan's overall purpose in initiating TICAD.