Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has reaffirmed the world’s fourth largest economy is eager to work with Africa. He addressed the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development in Yokohama.

The gathering is held under the theme: Co-creating innovative solutions with Africa.

South Africa is represented by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is using the occasion to advance Pretoria’s Presidency of the G20 and pursue bilateral economic engagements with Tokyo.

The 9th TICAD Summit takes place at a time of unprecedented threats to global peace and security, ongoing conflicts in some regions of the world and disruption to global trade.

Africa is counting on its friendship with Japan to weather the storm.

UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, “We meet at a time of interconnected crises and deep inequalities. Tackling these crises requires a clear focus not only on development for Africa, but on development with Africa. I salute Japan for making this the focus of its cooperation with the continent.”

The conference was first held in 1993, focusing on Japanese support for development in Africa.

AU Commission Chairperson, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, says, “I urge all stakeholders, governments and development partners, the private sector and the civil society to renew the commitment to innovation driven collaboration. Together we can co-create solutions that are not only transformative but also sustainable and inclusive, ensuring that no one is left behind.”

For South Africa’s President Ramaphosa, it’s been a busy period with a number of business leaders who are attending the conference.

Japanese Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba says Africa remains a key partner.

“Just as we once did in Asia, we the people of Japan wish to laugh, cry and break a sweat alongside the people of Africa.

Health is one of the major focal points in Yokohama.

The summit is held as Japan, which is one of the key economies in Asia, seeks to solidify ties with Africa especially at a time when China has made inroads on the continent.