Quality of Japan’s partnership with Africa has advanced

FOLLOWING the resignation of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan’s ambassador to South Africa reflects on his contribution in Africa.

Q: How has TICAD evolved under leadership of Prime Minister Abe? A: Prime Minister Abe brought private sector investment into the centre-stage of TICAD. Promotion of Private Sector investment and innovation became core of TICAD undertakings.

The Prime Minister has created a high-profile policy consultation on African Economy hosted by his office

and initiated the Japan-Africa Public-Private Economic Forum.

The launch meeting was held in May 2018 in Sandton with ministers and high-profile delegations from 100 companies from Japan and 400 from Africa. In his keynote address, President Ramaphosa said: “After 100 years of presence in Africa, Japanese business needs to expand its presence and become part of the inclusive story of Africa.”

How many embassies does Japan have on the continent?

Japan has 38 missions in Africa. During the tenure of Prime Minister Abe, Japan’s overseas missions in Africa (started with the Consulate in Cape Town in 1918) have expanded from 34 to 38, adding Namibia, Mauritius, Seychelles (Office of Consul) and the Mission of Japan to the AU.

What is the way forward after Prime

Minister Abe’s contribution? Thanks to Prime Minister Abe’s leadership, the volume and quality of Japanese partnership with Africa has advanced to a higher level.

Emphasis on private sector investment is especially prominent while enhancing Japan’s hands on approach of human centred inclusive development.

Taking stock of the achievement of Prime Minister Abe is crucial for Japan’s continued partnership with Africa. Ensuring the continuity of his policy will help Africa to overcome challenges that will emerge in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. Continued from yesterday’s article