YOKOHAMA, Japan – Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish an “Indian Ocean–Africa economic zone” as he opened the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Yokohama.
The initiative, announced on Wednesday, seeks to deepen trade and investment ties between Japan and Africa while countering China’s rising influence on the continent.
Ishiba said Tokyo would focus on private-sector-driven partnerships and strengthen collaboration between government and business “to unlock Africa’s vast economic potential.”
Kenya’s President William Ruto is among more than 40 African heads of state attending the three-day forum, where peace, economic development, and social issues such as health, climate change, and youth empowerment dominate the agenda.
Focus on AI and Technology
A key highlight of Ishiba’s address was Japan’s pledge to train 30,000 artificial intelligence (AI) experts in Africa within the next three years.
The program, set to roll out in universities across the continent—including in Kenya—will target critical sectors such as agriculture and logistics, areas seen as vital for sustainable growth.
“This is about empowering Africa’s youth and fostering innovation,” Ishiba said, underscoring Japan’s intention to support Africa’s digital transformation.
The AI initiative dovetails with Kenya’s own Vision 2030 blueprint, which positions technology and innovation as engines for industrialisation.
With a booming tech ecosystem and a young, digitally savvy population, Kenya is expected to be among the biggest beneficiaries of Japan’s support.
Partnerships Beyond Aid
Beyond technology, Ishiba outlined plans for deeper government-industry-academia collaboration to spur free trade and regional integration across Africa.
He also announced training opportunities for 300,000 individuals in fields including health and technology, a move intended to tackle unemployment and strengthen social stability.
The anticipated Yokohama Declaration, to be issued at the conference’s close, will formalise commitments for future cooperation between Japan and Africa.
Global Context
The TICAD talks unfold amid intensifying competition for influence in Africa.
China has entrenched itself as Africa’s largest trading partner through massive infrastructure projects, while the U.S. is recalibrating its aid and trade strategies.
Ishiba’s pitch signals Japan’s intention to claim a stronger role in shaping Africa’s development path.
For Kenya, Ruto’s presence at TICAD reflects the country’s strategic interest in diversifying partnerships beyond China and Western allies.
Analysts say Japanese investment in AI, logistics, and regional trade could accelerate Nairobi’s economic ambitions while offering alternatives in an increasingly multipolar world.
