Japan has signed 14 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with African public and private sector players during the 3rd edition of the Japan-Africa Public-Private Economic Forum, held in Abidjan on December 16.
The agreements aim to provide financing for critical sectors such as health, agriculture, and education while fostering the growth of Africa’s start-up ecosystem. They will also support green projects, pharmaceutical production, and strategic initiatives like the Smart Rwanda project, malaria vaccines for children in Côte d’Ivoire, and the automotive industry in Nigeria.
The beneficiary nations include Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Nigeria, and Ghana. Over 100 Japanese companies joined delegations from African public and private sectors at the event.
Ivorian Foreign Minister Kacou Adom praised the forum’s focus on sustainable development, innovation, and socio-economic infrastructure, emphasizing its role in strengthening trade and partnerships between Japan and Africa. “The success of our partnership depends on our ability to work and innovate together,” he said.
The forum builds on the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), which aims to deepen collaboration between African private sectors and Japanese businesses. Côte d’Ivoire, the first West African nation to host this event, welcomed participants under the theme, “Working with Africa to Create New Values and Develop Our Future.”
