Japan–Africa Relations: Report Ahead of TICAD 9 (August 20–22, 2025)

Japan–Africa relations are poised at a transformative juncture with the forthcoming TICAD 9 (The Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development) in Yokohama. Set for August 20–22, 2025, this conference arrives amidst expanding opportunities and persistent structural challenges, marking a critical turning point in bilateral engagement. While Africa attracted only 0.5% of Japan’s foreign direct investment in 2024—a reflection of Tokyo’s long-standing focus on closer Asian markets—geographic and logistical hurdles persist. For instance, with only Cairo offering a direct flight to Tokyo, combined with language barriers and Japan's traditionally cautious corporate culture, deeper engagement in African markets has remained stymied.

A notable shift is underway, however, as a new generation of young, internationally experienced Japanese executives drives a more assertive approach toward Africa. Recent findings from a JETRO survey indicate that over 60% of Japanese firms present in Africa plan significant expansion over the next two years, particularly in manufacturing sectors. Japan’s strategic pivot away from over-dependence on China has further fuelled interest in Africa’s critical minerals, abundant raw materials, and rapidly growing consumer markets. At the same time, Japan’s solid record in sectors such as automotive manufacturing, advanced energy systems, and digital infrastructure has helped establish a robust presence across many African nations.

Since its inception in 1993, the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) has been the keystone of Japan’s engagement with Africa. This year’s TICAD 9, co-hosted by the Japanese government alongside the UN, UNDP, the World Bank, and the African Union, promises an even broader and more diverse array of Japanese business interests than ever before. With thematic zones ranging from infrastructure and health to pop culture and technology, the event—under the banner “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa”—is set to foster high-level networking, government presentations, and thematic seminars designed to galvanize economic growth, social development, and stability on the continent.

In navigating this complex and evolving landscape, Japanese companies are increasingly leveraging programs led by JICA, such as the NINJA Accelerator, to partner with African startups and mitigate entry risks. Despite a strong emphasis on local hiring—an approach rooted in Japan’s labour market realities—the limited scope of Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs), currently in place with only five African countries, compels many investors to rely on intermediary hubs like the UAE or Mauritius or to seek government underwriting to secure dispute resolution.

Amidst this intricate backdrop, the role of Africa Security Analysis (ASA) emerges as a vital support system for African traders engaging in this renewed Japan-Africa cooperation. ASA stands ready to bolster the efforts of African businesses by offering comprehensive security solutions, in-depth risk and security analyses, personalized assessments, and timely risk reports that include early warning insights. These services are crucial in an environment where detailed local market intelligence is hard to come by, yet essential for enabling swift, well-informed decision-making. By bridging the advisory and data gaps that often hinder accurate assessments of Africa's dynamic markets, ASA ensures that African traders are better prepared to navigate potential pitfalls and maximize opportunities during this period of intensified cooperation.

Furthermore, as African stakeholders—from governments to private sector entities—endeavour to present clear investment opportunities and robust policy frameworks, ASA’s continuous monitoring, and strategic insights play a decisive role in supporting local businesses. Its tailored services not only help in safeguarding against regional volatility but also in building the confidence required to forge sustainable international partnerships. This support is particularly significant as African traders engage more actively with Japanese companies and institutions, including those collaborating under the umbrella of the African Union.

Looking ahead to August, the atmosphere surrounding Japan–Africa engagement is marked by cautious optimism. A new wave of Japanese corporate leadership is now positioning Africa not merely as a source of raw resources but as a strategic partner co-creating innovative solutions. Coupled with the multifaceted institutional support from initiatives like TICAD 9 and JICA’s programs, and reinforced by the strategic offerings from ASA, the stage is set for a landmark era of enhanced trade, investment, and collaborative innovation. With ASA’s comprehensive security and risk management services integrated into every facet of trade activities, African traders can confidently harness the opportunities arising from Japan-led initiatives, ensuring that the benefits of this evolving cooperation are realized across the continent.