🌍 Beginner's Guide | What is "TICAD" often heard in the news? Japan x AI x Africa's Future Map! Edition

Note for beginners🔰 Economic Memo📝
Based on the latest information as of August 20, 2025, I have researched TICAD (Tokyo International Conference on African Development).

Using reliable sources, I have included past venues, themes, and key points of interest for 2025✍️

🏛️ What is TICAD?

This is an abbreviation for the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, an international conference themed around Africa's development.
Led by Japan, it explores paths for sustainable development together with African nations and international organizations.

🗓️ TICAD History and Themes

Since the first TICAD was held in 1993, it has been held approximately every 4 to 5 years. Below are some of the past venues and themes:

• TICAD I (1993, Tokyo)
  First conference. Advocated for the importance of African self-reliance and regional cooperation.

• TICAD II (1998, Tokyo)
  Emphasized the importance of African "ownership" and international "partnership."

• TICAD III (2003, Yokohama)
  Expressed support for the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).

• TICAD VI (2016, Nairobi)
  First conference held in Africa. The "Nairobi Declaration" was adopted to support Africa-led development.

• TICAD VII (2019, Yokohama)
  Under the theme "Advancing Africa! Through People, Technology, and Innovation," it aimed to strengthen public-private partnerships.

• TICAD VIII (2022, Tunis)
  Emphasized "investment in people" and "quality of growth," focusing on green investment and startup support.

🗓️ The Journey of TICAD and 2025 Highlights

Since the first TICAD was held in 1993, it has been held approximately every 4 to 5 years. It will be held in Yokohama from August 20 to 22, 2025, marking the second time it has been held in Yokohama since 2019.
Personally, I am particularly paying attention to the collaboration between AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Africa at TICAD 9 in Yokohama.

Featured Themes:

• Sustainable, Inclusive, and Resilient Food Systems and the Future of Regional Economies
  Efforts toward food security and strengthening regional economies will be discussed.

• Indian Ocean-Africa Economic Zone Initiative
  Strengthening economic ties between the Indian Ocean region and African nations is being targeted.

• Human Security and Economic Development
  Responses to multifaceted challenges and a vision for the future beyond 2030 will be shared.

🤖 AI and Africa: Building the Future Together

AI Talent Development and Strengthening the Ecosystem

On August 21, 2025 (Thursday) from 12:30 to 14:30 (JST), "AI Transformation for Africa – AI talent development and Ecosystem strengthening" will be held at the InterContinental Yokohama Grand Hotel in Yokohama.
This event will discuss the development of AI talent in Africa and the construction of a sustainable AI ecosystem.
Specifically, the following points are the focus:

• The current state of AI talent in Africa and necessary skill sets

• Design of education and training programs to foster AI talent

• Building an AI ecosystem through cooperation between government, academic institutions, and the private sector

• Promotion of AI policies by African governments

Registration for this event is available on the JICA website.

Transformative Potential of AI in Higher Education

Also, on August 20, 2025 (Wednesday) from 15:20 to 16:50 (JST), the side event "Artificial Intelligence and Higher Education in Africa: Advancing Innovation for Sustainable Progress," co-hosted by the United Nations University (UNU) and the Embassy of Egypt, will be held.
This event will discuss what kind of transformation AI will bring to higher education in Africa.
In particular, the following themes will be addressed:

• Improving the quality of education using AI

• Challenges and opportunities for AI adoption in educational institutions

• Dissemination of AI skills for African students and educators

🌱 Characteristics of TICAD and its impact on our lives

The characteristics of TICAD lie not in mere aid, but in "ownership" that supports Africa's self-reliance and "partnership" with the international community, including Japan. This promotes sustainable development and has the following impacts on our lives:

• Stable food supply:
  The supply of agricultural products and resources from Africa will stabilize, contributing to the stability of food prices.

• International security:
  Stability in Africa leads to improvements in international peace and security.

• Economic opportunities:
  Japanese companies' expansion into Africa and investment opportunities will increase, with job creation and economic growth expected.

🎯 Summary

TICAD is not just a conference, but a platform for Japan, Africa, and the international community to build the future together. At TICAD 9 in 2025, important themes directly linked to our lives, such as food systems, regional economies, and the formation of the Indian Ocean-Africa economic zone, will be discussed.

By taking an interest in trends in international cooperation and development, you can gain a deeper understanding of global movements and Japan's role. In the next article, we plan to deliver the latest information, including specific outcomes from TICAD 9 and voices from participants.

💭 Impressions

Through TICAD, Japan's role in supporting Africa's self-reliance and development is becoming increasingly important. As members of the international community, we are also expected to pay attention to these trends and deepen our understanding. I am very much looking forward to seeing what results the next TICAD 9 will produce.

📝 In conclusion

Personally, I have the impression that countries with lagging infrastructure actually have surprisingly good UI because they are entering the market with everything already in place ☺️
It's like, instead of laying telephone lines or introducing PCs, they jumped straight into smartphones 📱! And then it spread explosively! That's the kind of thing that happens in Africa.
The population growth is also remarkable (I mean, it's like they'll account for 1/4 of the population soon...)

They are distant countries, but they are surprisingly relevant to us. It's interesting.
I will continue to gradually organize things that I've 'heard of but don't really understand.' If any interesting terms come up, I will write about them in my note as appropriate.

I plan to continue summarizing things without pressure, both for my own study and as a personal record. I would be happy if you could take a look again next time!

📌 References

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: 'TICAD 9 (The Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development)'
  https://www.mofa.go.jp/af/af1/pagewe_000001_00053.html

• World Bank: 'TICAD9 – AI Transformation for Africa: AI Talent Development and Ecosystem Strengthening'
  https://www.worldbank.org/en/events/2025/08/21/ticad9-ai-transformation-for-africa-ai-talent-development-and-ecosystem-strengthening

• United Nations University (UNU): 'Artificial Intelligence and Higher Education in Africa: Advancing Innovation for Sustainable Progress'
  https://unu.edu/side-event/artificial-intelligence-and-higher-education-in-africa-advancing-innovation-sustainable-progress