On August 27, the Eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 8) was opened in Tunisia co-chaired by the Government of Japan and the Government of Senegal. The forum presented an opportunity for Africa investors to explore opportunities to expand partnerships for SDG financing. With the COVID-19 pandemic recovery, the impacts of the war in Ukraine, the climate emergency and the financial crisis placing vulnerable populations under extreme stress, SDG financing present an opportunity to overcome and address Africa’s security and sustainable development needs.

After two days of intense discussions, the following development priorities were agreed upon:

1. Strong engagement from Japan to develop infrastructure & energy
2. A need to build greater adaptation capacity for Africa
3. Foster peace & security

On the margin of the Conference, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) launched a new partnership to enhance trade and investment between Japanese and African private sector businesses.

As a global leader in information and digital technologies, partners agreed to work together to strengthen links between small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs) in Africa with Japanese technologies and business know-how. Other areas of cooperation include regular dialogues, consultations and joint communications and advocacy activities.

His Excellency President of The Gambia, President Adama Barrow met with the Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa. Their discussion explored opportunities for business development, including with Japan through TICAD, bringing private sector investment in various sectors that could boost inclusive & sustainable growth in The Gambia, and support to the unprecedented floods affecting the country.