The Sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI) will for the first time be held in Africa symbolising African ownership.
TICAD is a summit level forum for African development established in 1993 by Japan’s initiative. Every meeting is led by Japan, and co-hosted by the United Nations, the World Bank and the African Union Commission (AUC).
TICAD VI will be held in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi in August.
“In principle, invitations to attend TICAD are extended to all African heads of state and government as well as international organisations, donor countries, private companies and civil society organisations.
“Until TICAD V, the summit level meetings were held every five years in Japan. From 2016 onwards, the TICAD will be held every three years, hosted alternately in Africa and Japan. In response to the request from the African side we have decided to hold TICAD VI in Africa,” Japanese Ambassador to Malawi, Shichiro Nishioka said in an interview.
Nishioka said participants to the forum also include international organisations, partner countries, private companies and civil society organisations involved in development.
He said the participants have been engaged in fruitful discussions on African development, bringing together a broad range of global knowhow and efforts of the international community.
TICAD provides an open forum that generates innovative discussion, among various stakeholders on African development.
“Since its inception in 1993, TICAD has been promoting the principles of African ownership and international partnership for inclusive and sustainable development in Africa. I am looking forward to the upcoming TICAD summit to advance essential discussions among various stakeholders.
“Japan will remain committed to accelerate the efforts towards Malawi’s real progress on the post 2015 development agenda and economic independence,” he said.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Francis Kasaila, said on Wednesday that it is a milestone that the forum is for the first time to be held in Africa.
“This is a clear demonstration of partnership on equal terms and not as a donor and recipient. It is about cooperation between Japan and Africa. Japan is treating Africa as a partner and not just as a recipient,” he said.
Kasaila said Malawi is looking forward to the summit. “We are hopeful that Japan will increase support to Africa based on the pillars that have previously been agreed upon,” he said.
Over the course of more than 20 years since TICAD 1 in 1993, the forum has a track record of improving social and economic conditions in Africa mainly through grant aids and technical assistance. In the five years since fiscal year 2008, the government of Japan built 1,321 elementary and middle schools improved 4,778 healthcare and medical facilities, and provided safe water to additional 11 million people.
According to Japan’s Country Assistance Policy to Malawi, Japan prioritises support for infrastructure for agriculture, mineral resources and industries and basic social services. The assistance is mainly through Japanese General Grant Aid and Technical Cooperation Assistance. In addition, Japan also offers grants through Grassroots Assistance for Human Security Projects and Grassroots Assistance for Cultural Projects and Humanitarian Response Assistance.
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