On 21st September, I had a joint press conference with the Cabinet Secretary of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Dr. Amina Mohammed regarding Kenya’s hosting the first TICAD meeting in Africa in 2016.
As the Ambassador of Japan to Kenya, I am honoured to welcome TICAD to Kenya. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Government of Kenya for hosting this important forum. Let me share with you 3 important points regarding TICAD.
First, what is TICAD? TICAD is an open, multilateral and international forum to discuss the future development of Africa. It was initiated by the Government of Japan in 1993 and is currently co-organized by the World Bank, UNDP, the African Union Commission and the UN.
During TICAD, diverse participants: namely African heads of state, international and regional organizations, the private sector, development partners and others discuss Africa’s future.
TICAD V, held in Yokohama in 2013, had more than 4,500 participants including over 40 African heads of state and government. TICAD is one of the oldest forums to discuss Africa’s development among multi-stakeholders.
When it was launched, afro-pessimism overwhelmed the discussion of Africa. TICAD has always emphasized the importance of ‘ownership’ and ‘partnership’.
With these ideas, it has shed light on Africa and contributed to revive the international community’s attention to Africa. TICAD’s action plan is closely followed-up and materialized.
It has had annual ministerial level follow-up meetings since 2008. During the latest meeting held in Yaounde, Cameroon in May 2014, it was announced that the action plan previously agreed on is on track and has already achieved 25%.
Second, what has TICDA V brought to Africa? It has brought H.E. Mr. Shinzo Abe, the Japanese Prime Minister. In his remarks at TICAD V, Mr. Abe promised to visit Africa.
In January 2014, he made his first official visit as the PM to three African countries; Cote d’Ivoire, Mozambique and Ethiopia. It has also brought Japanese companies.
During TICAD V, the importance of the private sector in Africa’s development was emphasized. The Government of Japan is assisting Japanese companies to invest more in Africa.
For example, Mr. Abe brought along more than 30 CEOs of Japanese companies for his tour in 2014. This has seen the number of Japanese companies with offices in Kenya increase by 30% since 2013.
Third, what does the next TICAD mean for Kenya? The next conference is the first leaders’ level meeting in Africa. It has been held in Japan every five years since its beginning.
The request from African countries to bring TICAD to Africa has changed its cycle to three years with the hosting country alternating between Japan and Africa.
The African request is proof that Africa has high expectations for TICAD which brings about tangible development to Africa. It is an important opportunity to strengthen Japan-Kenya relations.
Many high ranking officials from Japan including Mr. Abe are expected to come to Kenya. During his visit to Japan in March, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta held discussions with Mr. Abe regarding cooperation between Kenya and Japan.
This is an opportunity to follow-up their discussion. Moreover, it is also a great opportunity for various sectors to strengthen their relations since diverse participants from Japan are expected to visit Kenya.
TICAD is a great opportunity to showcase Kenya to Japan and the international community. H.E. Kenyatta’s visit to Japan and the official dinner meeting with Mr. Abe and other private/public sector interactions between Japan and Kenya have made Kenya more known in Japan.
Through TICAD, Kenya will be further spot- lighted in Japan and come much closer to Japanese people’s mind. It is a good opportunity for Kenya to present itself to the international community since TICAD receives international attention.
It can result in more investment and more tourists from abroad including Japan to Kenya. In order to make the next conference successful, the co-organizers have already started their preparations for TICAD.
The generous understanding and support from the Government and people of Kenya is key for its successful outcome. I would like to request for kind assistance from our Kenyan friends for this important forum. We shall together make TICAD in Kenya successful.
Tatsushi Terada is the Japanese Ambassador to Kenya