TICAD Summit and Prospects of Development Partnerships in Africa

Today’s world is witnessing rapid changes at all economic and political levels. 

The international system is marked by transformations and contradictions, between greater multilateralism and rising protectionism, producing geo-strategic realities that place Africa before immense and exceptional challenges. 

At the same time, these shifts open up diverse opportunities that must be harnessed to improve the lives of African peoples and achieve sustainable development goals.

Among the urgent priorities attracting the attention of think tanks and Africa-focused policymakers is the continent’s transition from being merely a consumer to becoming an active contributor to the digital economy.

Strategic studies are also increasingly focused on climate governance in Africa, as many African countries intensify efforts to attract green investments. 

Regional alliances for carbon markets have begun emerging in both East and West Africa, with Emirati investment funds standing out as key partners in supporting environmental sustainability across the continent.

Any discussion of Africa’s development would be incomplete without highlighting the major platforms that address its present and future. 

Egypt and other African nations remain committed to participating in TICAD (Tokyo International Conference on African Development) summits and ministerial meetings, given their prominent role and effective initiatives in support of Africa.

TICAD is a developmental forum that brings together not only heads of state and government leaders, but also private-sector representatives, business leaders from different regions, and leading economic and international institutions engaged in Africa’s growth—most notably the African Development Bank. 

The ninth edition of TICAD is taking place under a different international context than previous summits, shaped by moves that could reshape the global trading system, ongoing geopolitical shifts, the use of economic pressure as an advanced diplomatic tool, and growing global recognition of Africa as the continent of future opportunities and resources.

The ninth TICAD summit will be held from August 20 to 22, 2025, preceded by senior officials’ meetings in Yokohama. 

Its main agenda will revolve around three key pillars: society, economy, and peace & stability. Running alongside the summit will be an exhibition featuring small and medium-sized enterprises showcasing innovations in healthcare, food supply chains, climate solutions, future skills, and sustainable urban development. 

There is also a broad consensus among African capitals on the importance of turning challenges into opportunities, while diversifying strategic partnerships with influential players on the international stage.

Japan continues to position itself as a strong supporter of Africa’s development and a partner to African states in building up vital sectors such as education, healthcare, and transport, areas that enhance the continent’s attractiveness to trade and investment. 

At the same time, most African countries recognize that the continent, both geographically and demographically, still faces great needs. 

Expanding infrastructure, strengthening institutions, and modernizing societies are seen as essential to confronting exceptional challenges, particularly the shortage of capabilities in digital technology sectors.

Some African nations have already begun forging partnerships with global leaders in artificial intelligence, presenting a new, more open face of Africa’s digital economy. 

This is evident in major recent projects such as the launch of a comprehensive digital geographic map to integrate African digital markets, which is an essential step in applying AI to the continent’s development plans.

Fully aware of its responsibility toward the continent it belongs to, Egypt continues to support African, regional, and international efforts to address the challenges that could hinder each nation’s aspirations for a more prosperous and secure future. 

This includes strengthening dialogue and cooperation frameworks with various international groupings to boost African economic integration and encourage optimal use of the continent’s human and economic resources.

Egypt attaches the highest importance to international and regional initiatives aimed at building capacity and promoting sustainable development. This is advanced through mechanisms and institutions such as the Egyptian. 

Agency of Partnership for Development, which consistently supports development projects and initiatives across Africa as part of Egypt’s firm and sustainable diplomatic approach to encouraging South–South cooperation, both in its traditional and modern forms.

In this context, Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty undertook a tour in July covering Nigeria, Senegal, Chad, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, accompanied by business leaders and representatives of industrial institutions. 

The visit aimed at advancing dialogue on trade and investment opportunities. 

The high-level meetings during this tour have opened new doors for strengthening cooperation between Egypt and its African partners, particularly in advanced technological sectors, seen as a pathway toward shaping a better future for the continent and its peoples.