Press Release
Summary by the Chair of TICAD IV
Embassy of Japan
The Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV), a Summit-level international forum dedicated to African development, convened in Japan from 28 to 30 May, 2008, marking the fifteenth anniversary of the TICAD process. The following is an excerpt of the summary by the Chair of TICAD IV.
1. TICAD IV brought together 51 African countries, 74 international and regional organizations, private sector, civil society organizations and notable individuals, all of whom contributed greatly to the discussions. Also participating in the Conference were representatives from 34 partner countries, including the G-8 and Asian countries.
2. . Under the overarching theme: "Towards a Vibrant Africa: a Continent of hope and Opportunity", the Conference identified the following three priorities: 1) Boosting economic growth; 2) Ensuring "human security," including the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the consolidation of peace and good governance; and 3) Addressing environmental issues and climate change.
Emphasizing the critical relevance
3. In the opening session, H.E. Mr. Yasuo Fukuda, Prime Minister of Japan, delivered a keynote address. In his address, he announced Japan's intention to double its Official Development Aid (ODA) to Africa by 2012. The Prime Minister pledged to offer up to US$4 billion of ODA loans to assist Africa in developing mainly its infrastructure as well as to double its grant and technical cooperation over the next five years. He also pledged to extend financial support of US$2.5 billion, including the establishment of the Japan Bank International Cooperation (JBIC) Facility for African Investment, and take other measures to encourage increased private Japanese investment in Africa with the aim of doubling Japanese foreign direct investment to the continent. The Prime Minister stressed Japan's resolve to work together with African countries and the international community towards a Vibrant Africa in a spirit of Afro-optimism.
4. The "Yokohama Declaration" was presented and adopted. The Declaration summarized the outcome of the TICAD process over the past 15 years and confirmed the continuing political commitment of Japan and other partners to African development. The "Yokohama Action Plan," outlining measures to be implemented through the TICAD process during the next five years and a "TICAD Follow-up Mechanism" to monitor implementation and assess the impact of the TICAD process, were introduced. The Declaration also noted Japan's commitment to present the outcome of TICAD IV to the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit to be held from 7 to 9 July 2008.
5. TICAD participants welcomed the inception of the Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize, Designed to recognize, elevate and mainstream research regarding tropical medicine and health activities in Africa. The laureates in each category are internationally recognized for their contributions of many years to African health activities and medical research. The Prizes were awarded at a presentation ceremony graced by the presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan.
6. TICAD IV participants welcomed the Yokohama Declaration and the forward-looking and action-oriented Yokohama Action Plan that introduced a range of initiatives under each priority area. They also welcomed the establishment of a TICAD Follow-Up Mechanism to ensure regular monitoring of the implementation process in response to the request of African leaders. There was agreement among participants that the 15 years of the TICAD process have resulted in a number of achievements for African development, providing a strong foundation for the initiatives contained in the Yokohama Action Plan. The TICAD process has also seen an evolution towards greater African ownership of its development, stronger cooperation between TICAD and the African Union (AU)/New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), as well as an expansion of strategic partnerships, including Asia-Africa cooperation, with the private sector and civil society. The TICAD process has also proven to be an important vehicle for advancing progress towards the achievement of the MDGs.
The transcript of the entire summary by the chair of TICAD IV is available at: http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/africa/ticad/ticad4/doc/summary.html
[Related links]
TICAD IV (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan’s website)
*Yokohama Declaration Towards a Vibrant Africa (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan’s website)
*Yokohama Action Plan (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan’s website)
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