TICAD V ends with a Challenge for total implementation

Yokohama, Japan: 3 June, 2013:Delegates at the Fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD V) have been challenged to ensure total implementation of conference recommendations,if the outcomes of rich debates and discussionswere to be reaped. The African Union (AU) Chairperson, and Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E. HailemariamDesalegn raised the challenge on 3 June 2013, at the closing of the three-day conference in Yokohama, Japan.

Prime Minister Hailemariam said that,“the three day Summit enabled participants to reflect on the remarkable progress Africa is making and the support Japan provided in the process and acknowledged the need for TICAD to evolve with the priorities of Africa.” But added that, “"no matter how generous Japanese support to Africa, it would not be half as effective unless Japanese investors step up to the plate and make their long overdue presence felt in the African continent.”

During his closing speech, the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, thanked conference delegates for what he described as,“superb discussions from the various aspects of the economy, society, and peace, with focus placed on Africa’s agenda.”

Referring to the $32 billion announced on early during the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Abe reiterated his commitment to deliver on the promisedassistance.He reassured that, “once we have pledged something, we will most certainly carry it out, just as we have always done until now.”

Conference participants agreed to the Yokohama 2013 declaration, which identifies the areas of focus, as well as the Yokohama Action Plan 2013-2017 on which to base implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and an Implementation Matrix with existing continental initiatives of the African Union.

With respect to the declaration, the principles on which to inform key strategic approaches will include: supporting Africa’s own efforts; mainstreaming women; increasing opportunities for youths and promoting human security. Emphasis was placed on providing the necessary impetus and frameworks aimed at promoting private sector-led growth, accelerating infrastructure development, empowering famers as mainstream economic actors, and promoting sustainable and resilient growth. Also, attentionwasdirected toward creating an inclusive society for growth, as well as consolidating peace, stability and good governance.

The over thousand conference delegates included Heads of State and Government, and delegations from Japan and 51 African countries, 35 partner countries, 75 international and regional organisations from Africa and Asia, the private sector and civil society. It was the first time that the AUC had joined the Government of Japan, the UN, the UNDP, the World Bank as co-organiser.

The next venue for TICAD VI was not disclosed, though there were indicators and lots of wishes that it takes place in the African continent, for the first time after its 20 years history.

Reviewing its progress after 20 years, TICAD is said to have open served as an open and inclusive forum to raise and maintain awareness on Africa’s development challenges and opportunities. It has, “contributed to African development, emphasizing issues such as human security and private sector-led growth now embedded in African and international development agenda.”