[Title] Closing Speech by Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, Closing Session,Eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 8)

Your Excellencies, Presidents, Prime Ministers, distinguished Cabinet Ministers, distinguished heads of international organizations, ladies and gentlemen, we have now come to the Closing Session of this two-day TICAD 8 meeting.

Even though I participated online, we were able to discuss at length the future development of Africa through the participation of distinguished African heads of state and distinguished heads of international organizations, taking into account the current international situation, and moreover, we confirmed our continued close cooperation.

We were also pleased to have a large number of business representatives in attendance. Despite the continuing restrictions imposed by COVID-19, we were able to hold an in-person business forum and introduce various initiatives for the further development of African businesses. That demonstrates the high expectations for African growth. I hope that TICAD 8 has served as a venue for further private investment in Africa.

Japan launched TICAD in 1993, and since then we have been discussing the future of Africa together, addressing the various challenges we face, and growing together. As the environment surrounding us changes rapidly, I would like to reiterate Japan's commitment to continuing to work with Africa as "a partner growing together with Africa," building on the achievements of our past cooperation to achieve a resilient and sustainable world.

My announcement of a total of US$ 30 billion as the sum of public and private financial contributions to Africa over the next three years is a testament to this.

Now, following our two days of discussions, let us together adopt the "TICAD 8 Tunis Declaration." Please give a round of applause if you support the declaration.

Thank you. The "TICAD 8 Tunis Declaration" is hereby adopted. This document, compiled at this occasion, will serve as a guidepost for future Japan-Africa relations and sustainable growth in post-COVID-19 Africa.

In particular, Japan places importance on boosting the vitality of the people who support Africa's future, creating a quality living environment where people can fully unleash their vitality, and maintaining peace and stability so that their livelihoods are not threatened. Japan will help realize sustainable development together with Africa with these approaches unique to Japan, focusing on "people."

Finally, to the co-organizers, to President Saied as our host, and to President Sall as AU chair, let me express my sincere gratitude and respect for leading TICAD 8 to success.

I look forward to welcoming the African participants to Japan in 2025. Thank you very much.