Vice President Alupo in Japan for TICAD Summit

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Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, on Monday, August 18, arrived in the Japanese seaside city of Yokohama to join other world leaders for the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), which opened Tuesday at the Pacific Yokohama Convention Centre.

Alupo, representing President Yoweri Museveni, was received at Haneda International Airport by Uganda’s Ambassador to Japan, Tophace Kaahwa, former Japanese Ambassador to Uganda Fukuzawa Hidemoto, and other dignitaries.

The ninth TICAD summit is being held under the theme “Co-create innovative solutions with Africa,” with Japan seeking to harness its advanced technologies and expertise to tackle Africa’s challenges. The initiative also aims to combine these solutions with Africa’s homegrown innovations for mutual benefit.

Beginning Tuesday, Vice President Alupo is expected to hold several bilateral meetings between Uganda and Japanese companies, the Japanese Business Federation, and the leadership of the Japanese Foundation. She will also address the plenary session on the theme of ‘Economy’.

According to Japan’s Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, his country is keen to work with Africa to strengthen inclusive and responsible global governance that promotes peace and prosperity worldwide.

He noted: “Africa possesses abundant resources, a vibrant youthful population, and remarkable potential for innovation. At the same time, it faces significant challenges: poverty, conflict, unemployment, infectious diseases, and climate change. TICAD 9 will address these head-on by focusing on three key cross-cutting approaches covering peace and security, the Economy and Society.”

The summit, organised by a wide range of stakeholders including government, industry, academia, and civil society, will feature over 200 seminars and symposiums, as well as about 300 booths and panel displays centred on specific themes.

In conclusion, TICAD 9 is not only a conference but also a dynamic platform for forging stronger partnerships, generating innovative solutions, and building a shared vision for a sustainable and prosperous future for both Africa and the world. The importance of the Japan-Africa partnership, observers say, extends well beyond the continent itself.

Established in 1993, TICAD has for more than three decades pioneered discussions on African development, standing out for its unique emphasis on “African Ownership” and “International Partnership.”

The Japanese Prime Minister further stressed that TICAD’s inclusiveness and openness to international organisations, third countries, businesses, academia, and NGOs underscore its unique strength. He added that by maintaining this philosophy, Japan will remain a steadfast partner to Africa.