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Strengthening Food Security: The Japan-Africa Partnership

On August 19 and 20, 2025, the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) transpired in Yokohama, marking a significant occasion for collaboration between Japan and African nations. Organized by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, the event brought together leaders, ministers, international organizations, and researchers to discuss pivotal issues of food security and the blue economy.

The side event titled "The Future of Resilient, Inclusive, and Sustainable Food Systems and Regional Economies in Africa: Perspectives from the Blue Economy and Agriculture" featured prominent figures from Kenya, Namibia, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Japan, and various international organizations. Each participant shared insights on strengthening food security through agriculture and the blue economy, emphasizing Japan's role in providing technological cooperation and human resource development.

In his opening speech, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stressed the importance of Japan's practical approaches and technologies in enhancing Africa's food systems. He expressed a commitment to various collaborative efforts aimed at creating a future where more individuals can live securely and with dignity.

Challenges Faced by Africa

During discussions, Chairman Atsutoshi Kyanami highlighted three significant challenges currently confronting Africa: population growth, climate change, and geopolitical tensions. He emphasized that bolstering food systems should be the highest priority to ensure sustainability and resilience in the region.

Yohei Sasakawa, Honorary Chairman of the foundation, showcased the initiative's success in training over 12,000 agricultural extension workers and marine specialists across 30 countries. He reiterated the critical need for human resource development in pushing forward both food security and the blue economy, reaffirming a spirit of perseverance alongside African partners to build a promising future.

Strategic Priorities from Africa

Leaders from the African nations voiced their perspectives, categorizing agriculture and the blue economy as strategic priorities. The Prime Minister of Cabo Verde stressed that these sectors are essential for national growth. Similarly, Namibia's Prime Minister noted a focus on smart agriculture and blue economy initiatives.

The Guinean minister mentioned the importance of promoting a national strategy for the blue economy, while the African Union Commission underscored the idea of cultivating these sectors into growth industries led by youth. This unanimous call for cooperation further illuminated the vital role Japan plays in supporting African nations in these endeavors.

Empowering Local Communities

The special event on August 19, titled "Utilizing Impact Finance and Empowering Local Communities for Improved Food Security and Sustainable Blue Economy," attracted participants from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), international NGOs, and private financial institutions. Here, discussions revolved around strategies for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth from the perspectives of both public and private investments, as well as international finance.

Concrete suggestions on community empowerment and funding approaches highlighted practical ways to connect policy with real-world applications. The emphasis was on exploring lasting partnerships that bring both governmental and grassroots stakeholders together, showcasing how vibrant dialogue can indeed lead to effective and sustainable solutions.

Conclusion

As the TICAD9 side events concluded, Amit Roy, Chairman of the Sasakawa Africa Foundation, encapsulated the essence of the discussions, asserting that building resilient food systems requires cooperation among governments, the private sector, civil society, and especially the leadership and innovation of youth and women. This collaborative spirit exhibited throughout the event marks a hopeful step toward realizing the partnership between Japan and Africa, paving the way for a more secure and prosperous future for all involved.