Your Excellency Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan,

Your Excellency Mr. Tete Antonio, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Angola,

Excellencies, Ministers from African Union Member States;

Excellencies, Heads of Delegations of the TICAD Co-Organizers;

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;

Allow me to begin by extending my heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Shigeru Ishiba, Prime Minister of Japan, as well as to the Government and people of Japan, for their warm hospitality in hosting us today. I would also like to commend and thank the Co-organizers for their commendable efforts in preparing for this meeting, which sets the stage for the success of the TICAD 9 Summit beginning tomorrow under the theme: “Co-create innovative solutions with Africa”.

The TICAD 9 Ministerial Meeting marks a key milestone, providing an invaluable opportunity to assess our progress, identify ongoing challenges, and celebrate shared achievements. Building on the momentum of TICAD 8, we have seen notable accomplishments made possible through close collaboration with Japan and other key partners. Your valuable contributions and commitment to the TICAD process sets the platform for the next level of achievements in Africa’s socio-economic development aspirations as enshrined in the AU Agenda 2063.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we enter the Summit tomorrow to reinforce what has been agreed upon today, we must continue through our Principals, to advocate for and mobilize interest, technical and financial support for the development of Africa particularly in line with the three core pillars of TICAD 9 namely: economy, society and peace and stability. Numerous programmes, projects, and activities identified in the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063 have not received sufficient attention, yet they hold significant potential to catalyze the transformation of Africa’s economy. We must give these initiatives the consideration they deserve.

Our continent offers many opportunities for the mutual benefit of its people and those who seek to partner with us on an equal footing. While we seek technological and skills transfer, we also offer abundant natural resources, a youthful and dynamic workforce, and an increasingly integrated market. I encourage us to work collaboratively and in synergy to ensure that strategic investments in critical infrastructure, as well as strong policies for resilient health systems and social stability, are in place to realize the prosperous, integrated, and peaceful Africa we envision.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Before I conclude, allow me to recognize the work done by the African Union Commission, the Japanese Government, the United Nations Office of the Special Advisor on Africa (UNOSAA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank in contributing to the high-level coordination of joint activities amongst them.

We recognize that there remain challenges in the TICAD process, but with the continued collaboration and through private sector cooperation, both Africa and Japan can reap the rewards of this important partnership. This will ensure the attainment of Africa’s development objectives as enshrined in the AU Agenda 2063 and its Second Ten Year Implementation Plan.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

In conclusion, let us reaffirm our unwavering commitment to a strong and effective partnership through the TICAD framework. I am confident that our discussions will be constructive and that this meeting will be a resounding success.
Thank you.