Sasakawa Peace Foundation's High-Level Symposiums at TICAD 9 Address Food Security and Blue Economy

High-Level Discourse at TICAD 9: The Sasakawa Peace Foundation's Key Initiatives

The Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) recently conducted a vital official side event as well as a special event during the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), which took place in Yokohama on August 19 and 20, 2025. This significant gathering brought together heads of state, ministers from Japan and Africa, international organization representatives, and researchers to discuss pressing matters concerning the enhancement of food security and the promotion of a sustainable blue economy.

The discussions at these events centered on current challenges and potential collaboration opportunities between Japan and Africa. Notably, an event held on August 20 featured presentations on initiatives aimed at ensuring food security and facilitating sustainable growth through agriculture and the blue economy. Participants exchanged insights on the importance of Japan's technological cooperation and human resources development for these objectives.

Opening the event, Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized the nation's commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and promoting trade and investment. He reaffirmed Japan's readiness to join hands with Africa in shared efforts, valuing the continent's vibrant potential.

The president of SPF, Atsushi Sunami, highlighted the urgent need to bolster the resilience of food systems, citing three critical challenges facing Africa: population growth, climate change, and geopolitical tensions. Echoing his sentiment, the honorary president of SPF, Yohei Sasakawa, expressed a resolve to work closely with Africa towards a prosperous future.

African participants stressed the significance of collaboration with Japan, addressing various strategic priorities such as agriculture and blue economy initiatives. The Prime Minister of Cape Verde noted that these themes should take precedence, while a government minister from Guinea-Bissau discussed the necessity to promote a national strategy for the blue economy. Additionally, a representative from the African Union underscored the transformative potential of agriculture and the blue economy to foster youth-led industries.

In a separate event on August 19, discussions evolved around strategies essential for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth through both public and private investments, as well as leveraging international finance. Participants presented concrete proposals aimed at empowering communities and mobilizing resources while stressing the potential for coordinated policy efforts through grassroots initiatives.

As these dialogues unfolded, they illuminated the path toward collaborative action between Japan and Africa, centered on shared goals of food security and economic development. The SPF's initiatives at TICAD 9 served not only as a platform for exchanging valuable insights but also as a call to action for a more secure and sustainable future for both regions. As global challenges continue to mount, the cooperation between nations like Japan and African countries will be critical in building resilience and ensuring the well-being of their citizens.

The outcomes of TICAD 9, particularly the discussions spearheaded by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, have set a promising stage for the future of international partnerships while addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time.