Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi is currently in Tokyo, Japan, to represent Kenya at the ninth Tokyo International Conference on Africa Development (TICAD-9) ministerial meeting. The event, which begins today, serves as a significant platform for African leaders and Japan to engage in discussions aimed at strengthening their partnerships and addressing key issues affecting the African continent.
The TICAD Initiative
TICAD is an initiative spearheaded by the Government of Japan, with the primary goal of deepening relationships between Japan and African nations. Since its inception in 1993, TICAD has evolved into a critical forum for fostering dialogue and cooperation on African development. The conference has grown in importance over the years, attracting high-level participation from African governments, international organizations, and the private sector. TICAD provides a unique opportunity for African countries to share their priorities, challenges, and aspirations with Japan and the global community.
Key Themes and Objectives
The TICAD-9 ministerial meeting, in which Mudavadi is leading the Kenyan delegation, is anchored on three main themes: society, peace and stability, and the economy. These themes reflect the shared vision of Japan and African nations to build a stable and sustainable future for their societies.
Society: The discussions will focus on enhancing human dignity and security in Africa. The aim is to lay the groundwork for a future where African societies are stable, resilient, and capable of meeting the needs of their citizens. This involves addressing key issues such as health, education, and social welfare.
Peace and Stability: Peace and stability are essential for development. The ministerial meeting will advance critical discussions on how to entrench these values across the continent. This includes exploring strategies to prevent conflicts, promote human rights, and strengthen governance structures.
Economy: Economic prosperity is at the heart of TICAD’s mission. The conference will tackle issues related to trade, industry, and investment, with the goal of creating a more dynamic and prosperous African economy. Japan’s involvement in this process is crucial, as the country seeks to stimulate and increase its awareness of Africa’s business and investment landscape.
Mudavadi’s Vision for Kenya
During the meeting, Mudavadi emphasized the importance of going beyond mere discussions to understanding the challenges facing African countries and finding collaborative solutions through the partnership with Japan. “We aim to go beyond just discussions or debates by trying to understand the challenges facing African Countries and together with the partnership with Japan through TICAD, we work towards finding solutions that will be best for everyone,” Mudavadi stated.
In addition to participating in the main discussions, Mudavadi is expected to advance Kenya’s agenda in various areas of interest and partnerships. His focus will be on positioning Kenya as a strategic economic hub within Africa, leveraging the opportunities presented by TICAD to attract Japanese investment and foster economic growth.
Mudavadi will also engage in bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit to further Kenya’s position on key issues such as continental peace and security, climate change, and digital and infrastructure connectivity. These meetings are expected to cement Kenya’s standing as a leader in these areas and strengthen its relationships with both Japan and other African nations.
Global Governance and African Common Positions
Another critical aspect of the TICAD-9 ministerial meeting is the discussion on global governance. Mudavadi and other leaders will reflect on the current global dynamics and promote a free and open international order based on the rule of law. These discussions will also consider African Common Positions on various matters affecting the continent, with the aim of finding practical solutions to the challenges facing Africa.
Setting the Stage for TICAD-9 Heads of State Meeting
The ministerial meeting sets the tempo for the TICAD-9 Heads of State meeting, which is scheduled to take place in Yokohama, Japan, from August 20 to 22, 2025. This upcoming summit will bring together African Heads of State, Japanese leaders, and representatives from international organizations, the private sector, and civil society. The summit is expected to build on the outcomes of the ministerial meeting and further solidify the partnerships between Japan and African countries.
Conclusion
TICAD-9 represents a significant opportunity for Africa and Japan to deepen their collaboration and address the continent’s pressing challenges. Musalia Mudavadi’s participation in the ministerial meeting highlights Kenya’s commitment to strengthening its relationships with Japan and advancing its national interests on the global stage. As the conference progresses, the outcomes of these discussions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Africa-Japan relations and the development trajectory of the African continent.
