President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Tokyo for the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), declaring that Nigeria will use the forum to deepen economic cooperation with Japan and attract greater private investment.
“Nigeria is open for business and ready for partnership,” the President said on arrival at Haneda International Airport at about 12:55am local time, where he was received by Hideo Matsubara, Japan’s Ambassador in charge of TICAD. “This visit is not only about participation in an important summit, but about building stronger bridges between our nations.”
The visit marks Tinubu’s first official trip to Japan since assuming office on 29 May 2023. According to the Presidency, it “represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to expand trade relations with Asia, while pursuing sustainable growth and industrialisation at home.”
In Yokohama, the host city of the summit, Tinubu said he would “make the case for Nigeria as a prime investment destination to Japanese business leaders already active in our economy and those considering entry into key sectors.”
During the three-day gathering, themed “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa”, the President will attend plenary sessions, hold bilateral meetings with fellow heads of state, and meet Japanese executives. “Our engagement will focus on technology, innovation, human capital and opportunities that will create jobs for our people,” he added.
Japanese officials emphasised the significance of Nigeria’s presence. Ambassador Matsubara said: “President Tinubu’s attendance underscores the importance Japan attaches to its relationship with Nigeria. We believe TICAD provides the right platform for long-term partnership.”
The conference, co-hosted by the Japanese government, the United Nations, UNDP, the World Bank and the African Union Commission, has since 1993 served as Japan’s premier diplomatic and economic forum with Africa.
According to organisers, TICAD 9 will “focus on economic transformation, private investment and institutional development” across Africa and Asia. The forum’s emphasis on African ownership and international partnership, they noted, “aligns with President Tinubu’s agenda to boost economic integration, human resource development and industrialisation across the continent.”
This year’s summit, running from 20 to 22 August, brings together African leaders, development partners, the private sector and civil society. It follows the last edition hosted by Tunisia in 2022.
Deji Elumoye
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