President Uhuru Kenyatta and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe yesterday said the partnership between the two countries will create employment and spur growth.
They said the relationship will improve innovations, investment opportunities, diversification, environmental conservation and health systems.
“Ticad has become an important focal point for African development. Nations meet to exploit investment opportunities,” the President said.
Uhuru and Shinzo spoke at a joint press conference at State House to launch the sixth edition of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development. The two-day forum kicks off today at KICC.
“Since its inception, Ticad has enabled informed discussion about the continent’s relationship with Japan and the rest of the world,” Uhuru said.
“It has matured into a first-class, multilateral forum that attracts leaders in business, government and the civil society.”
Abe echoed Uhuru’s remarks that industrialisation is crucial for Africa’s economic growth. The Prime Minister is accompanied by chief executives of at least 75 major companies.
The Japanese Prime Minister said the conference is historic because it is being held outside of Japan for the first time.
Abe said Ticad aims to solve Africa’s development problems through quality technology.
The meeting also brings to Nairobi at least 35 African heads of state and most of the world’s biggest development agencies.
Chad President and AU chairman Idriss Deby is expected to come later today.
President Uhuru urged Kenyans to welcome the thousands of visitors coming for the conference.