Japan has signed 14 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with African public and private sector representatives during the 3rd Japan-Africa Public-Private Economic Forum, held in Abidjan on December 16.
The agreements target key sectors such as health, agriculture, education, and technology, aiming to boost financing and foster innovation across the continent. The MoUs also focus on green initiatives, pharmaceutical production, and technological advancements, including the Smart Rwanda project, malaria vaccine development for children in Côte d’Ivoire, and support for Nigeria’s automotive industry.
Beneficiary countries include Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Nigeria, and Ghana. The forum drew delegations from several African countries and over 100 Japanese companies, reflecting robust interest in enhancing bilateral ties.
Ivorian Foreign Minister Kacou Adom praised the forum’s focus on sustainable development, innovation, and socio-economic infrastructure, describing these areas as pivotal to shared growth. “The success of our partnership depends on our ability to work and innovate together,” he said, emphasizing the forum’s role in advancing trade relations between Africa and Japan.
The event, held under the theme “Working with Africa to Create New Values and Develop Our Future,” serves as a continuation of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD). This platform aims to enhance collaboration between African businesses and Japanese firms.
As the first West African nation to host the forum, Côte d’Ivoire follows previous editions in South Africa and Nairobi, solidifying its position as a strategic hub for fostering Japan-Africa economic partnerships.
