[Title] Progress Report of Japan's Contributions to Africa following TICAD 8
Progress Report of Japan's Contributions to Africa following TICAD 8
The Tokyo International Conference on African Development, TICAD, marked its 30th anniversary in 2023. To follow up on the TICAD 8, this report intends to share the progress made in the priority areas/pillars at TICAD 8 (i.e., 2022-2024) by showcasing some of achievements as of 31 March 2024, the end of the Japanese fiscal year 2023, unless otherwise specified. Such achievements include those undertaken by the Japanese private sector. The priority areas are categorized in three groupings: (1) Economy, (2) Society, and (3) Peace and Stability.
At TICAD 8, Japan announced its intention to invest US$ 30 billion as the sum of public and private financial contribution over the next three years. Good progress has been made and it remains on track.
This report showcases good initiatives and actions to illustrate and share progress made so far to allow for review and mutual learning. Japan hopes this report will be sources of hints for the participants. Japan is also ready to learn from participants' experiences and insights. The overall progress of Japan's contribution will be reviewed and shared at TICAD 9.
1 Economy
Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and the crisis caused by Russia's aggression against Ukraine, Japan expressed its intention to strengthen a free and open international economic system in order to safeguard people's livelihoods. In order to achieve a resilient and sustainable Africa, Japan also aims to support green growth in the continent. Furthermore, Japan noted it would support businesses and start-ups expanding into Africa, focusing on empowering vibrant and dynamic young people.
Examples of Japan's contribution are as follows.
(1) Strengthening a free and open international economic system (incl. response to the food crisis and support for sustainable agricultural production)
To support the development of the private sector in Africa, Japan, together with the African Development Bank (AfDB), has made the decision to implement projects/programs amounting to about US$ 1.5 billion as of April 2024 as a part of the 5th phase of the Enhanced Private Sector Assistance for Africa (EPSA5).
Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI) made a capital subscription of US$ 14.8 million to African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI) in 2023, thus becoming member shareholder of ATIDI.
In 2022 and 2023, Egypt issued in total 135 billion yen (equivalent to US$ 1 billion) of 2 samurai private placements. The landmark financing was guaranteed by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation with SMBC Nikko acting as sole lead arranger and bookrunner.
Japan announced that it would train 300,000 persons in three years in a wide range of fields, including industry, health and medical care, agriculture, justice, and public administration, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) alone already provided training for approximately 291,000 people through various projects such as the ABE Initiative (African Business Education Initiative for Youth), a master's degree and internship program based on public- private-academic partnership.
The Government of Japan has supported the industrial human resources development of 34,000 persons in Africa, and Japanese private companies are also making efforts to develop human resources in the continent. For example, Komatsu has been running the "Technical Education for Communities" program in South Africa, aiming to fill the gaps that exist between the college syllabus and local industry skills needs. (Graduates do not necessarily have to join Komatsu or partner companies.) Yokogawa Electric Corporation recruits African students who have studied in Japan on scholarships from the Ashinaga Foundation as future executive candidates at its head office in Japan. Toyota Libya has been providing technical training in the field of automotive maintenance to graduates from high technical institutes in Libya.
Through co-financing with AfDB's African Emergency Food Production Facility, Japan has contributed US$ 320 million in food production enhancement assistance to Cote d'Ivoire and Tanzania as well as Nigeria (signed in April 2024).
Food assistance worth US$ 215 million has also been distributed across 36 countries such as Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Republic of niger, Eswatini, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Lesotho, Liberia, and Sao Tome and Principe.
JICA supported capacity development for approximately 231,000 persons in 38 countries to increase rice and value-added agricultural production.
JICA provided training on debt management for 31 countries together with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Japan also supported training and technical assistance on debt management and domestic resource mobilization through the IMF.
Additionally, the Tax Convention with Algeria came into force in January 2024 as well as the Japan-Angola Investment Agreement in July 2024.
JICA implemented various infrastructure improvement projects such as the Nacala Port in Mozambique (completed in October 2023), and the project for the improvement of access to electricity in a district in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (grant agreement concluded in November 2023). In Kenya, JICA supports regional development integrating transport facilities (port, roads, etc.) and the Special Economic Zone in Mombasa as a gateway to the Northern Corridor as part of the "Integrated Corridor Approach 2.0."
In addition, a capacity development project for smooth operation of the One Stop Boarder Posts (OSBPs) on the North-South Transport Corridor is being implemented in Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Furthermore, 41 customs officials have been trained to be Master Trainers on Rules of Origin to implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
(2) "Green Growth" looking towards structural transition to decarbonization
Japan Bank for International Cooperation has signed loan agreements for several "green growth" projects where Japanese companies are participating in the operations, including two onshore wind farm projects in Egypt (US$ 281 million and US$ 240 million), solar PV/electrified lantern projects in Benin (14.5 million euros) and in the floating storage and the regasification unit (FSRU) operation project in Senegal (US$ 35 million). In addition, Toyota Tsusho Group in partnership with Scatec ASA is developing two solar power plants with a total capacity of 100MW in Tunisia. The projects mark the first in Tunisia to be selected for Japan's Financing Programme for Joint Crediting Mechanism Model Projects.
Japan has also supported the expansion of geothermal power generation capacity to 121 MW, supplying green energy to 6.46 million people through projects in Kenya.
With regard to the development of distribution lines and grid stabilization, technical cooperation projects and training programs are being implemented in Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda. Technical cooperation on African Power Pools will be commenced soon.
Japan contributed US$ 15 million to the World Bank trust fund for the development of green hydrogen, geothermal power, and battery storage, and US$ 5 million to the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) trust fund to promote private investment in renewable energy projects, including in Africa. Six projects in countries such as Comoros, Mauritania, and Sierra Leone, totaling approximately US$ 6.5 million, under the World Bank trust fund, and three loan projects in Africa, totaling approximately US$ 60 million, under the MIGA Trust Fund are underway.
JICA conducted a data collection survey on the development and utilization of green hydrogen and ammonia in Ethiopia, Namibia, and South Africa from May 2023 until April 2024.
(3) Support for social-challenge-solving business, including through support for start-up companies
Several investment projects are underway. With its US$ 60 million fund backed by Japanese and African investors, Verod-Kepple Africa Ventures invests in startups moving to Series A and B stages across the continent. Its portfolio consists of more than 14 companies. In addition, AAIC manages two venture capital funds, investing in over 50 startups in Africa with a focus on healthcare, and Sony established Sony Innovation Fund: Africa, initially allocating US$ 10 million towards investments to increase the business value of startups in entertainment businesses in Africa.
Several Japanese companies announced new or expanded investment projects for local production and services. For example, a joint venture between TOPPAN group and the Ethiopian Government held the groundbreaking ceremony for a new passport manufacturing and issuance plant in Ethiopia in May 2024.
In addition, Daikin has contributed to reducing the environmental impact of air-conditioning by promoting high-efficiency inverter air- conditioners in Nigeria. Daikin began local manufacturing operations in cooperation with a local partner in April 2024 and is also training installers in collaboration with vocational schools.
Japan supported 759 start-ups through Project NINJA (Next Innovation with Japan)-related projects in Ethiopia, Nigeria, and other countries. NINJA aims to promote economic growth in developing countries by enabling start-ups in developing countries to create innovations, solve local social problems, and create new industries and employment opportunities.
2 Society
Against the backdrop of the continued growing population in Africa, Japan expressed its intention to implement long-lasting initiatives that value each and every person and strengthen investment in people. Taking into account the concept of human security, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Africa's Agenda 2063, Japan also has announced commitments to correct disparities that are becoming increasingly apparent and to work toward the realization of quality living environments in Africa.
The examples of Japan's contribution are as follows.
(1) Health
Prime Minister Kishida announced at TICAD 8 that Japan would contribute to strengthening health systems and measures against the three major infectious diseases in Africa through financial contributions of up to US$1.08 billion to the Global Fund (GF) over the next three years. Japan has already contributed a total of about US$ 740 million to the Global Fund.
Japan supported 17 projects (about US$ 15 million) in Africa through UNFPA for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) activities; four IPPF (International Planned Parenthood Association) project in Sudan (US$ 1 million) for SRH activities; and 12 projects (about US$ 9.1 million) through WHO for disease control activities in Africa. Japan has also contributed a total of US$ 1.443 billion to COVAX (COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access), US$ 173 million to CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations), US$ 7.1 million to the World Bank, and US$ 4.2 million to International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI).
JICA and Japanese banks, through a US$ 400 million loan to the African Export-Import Bank, have supported the development of hospitals and healthcare-related facilities as well as pharmaceutical production in Africa. Additionally, the Government of Japan announced this June that the Government of Japan would contribute $30 million to the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator, a financing mechanism, launched by Gavi, to accelerate the expansion of commercially viable vaccine manufacturing in Africa.
Japan trained approximately 27,300 healthcare personnel, and 7,970 medical and research personnel working in countering infectious diseases. Japan contributed to expanding healthcare services for 1,380,000 people.
JICA projects related to maternal and child health in Angola, Burundi, Gabon, and other countries are also on-going.
Japan also provided loan, grant aid and technical assistance for water, sanitation, and hygiene sectors in 42 cities in Africa since 2022.
(2) Education (capacity building for everyone including women and youth)
Japan contributed to improving children's learning and provided quality education, including STEM education, to approximately 1.75 million children including 789,000 girls in Africa by promoting school enrollment especially for girls; and by increasing inclusiveness and providing school meals through initiatives such as the "School for All" project, and the Development Policy Loan for Education Sector in Morocco, Rwanda, and Senegal.
With a view to create Japan-Africa University Network, Japan also trained 3,261 highly-skilled persons through the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) in Egypt, the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and the Pan-African University Institute for Basic Science, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI) in Kenya.
Regarding research cooperation in the field of science and technology, 24 projects from 14 countries in Africa are ongoing through Africa-Japan Collaborative Research (AJ-CORE) and the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS). Through the Sakura Science Program in FY2023, 85 participants in the Science and Technology Experience Course, 54 participants in the Collaborative Research Activity Course and 28 participants in the Science and Technology Training Course were selected from 14 countries such as Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Senegal.
Japan also trained 247 personnel from 11 countries in the field of elimination of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
In addition, the University of Tsukuba held the 4th Japan-North Africa University Summit in Tunis this July to further explore the possibility of joint study cooperation among higher education institutions.
(3) Climate change measures including disaster risk reduction
African Clean Cities Platform (ACCP) is a knowledge sharing and investment promotion platform to achieve waste-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 in rapidly urbanizing Africa. Through the ACCP, which has expanded to 188 cities from 47 countries, including 80 cities from 5 countries that joined the platform after TICAD 8, Japan has promoted decarbonization and recycling in the waste sector, improved public health including through the waste management sector, and assisted in human resource development.
To promote disaster risk reduction, Japan provided training to approximately 1,800 persons from 15 countries, such as Mauritius and
Tunisia, already exceeding the initial target announced at TICAD 8.
Japan also provided training for forest management to 3,744 persons from ten African countries including Malawi and Mozambique.
(Please also refer to the economic section above regarding Japan's actions on climate investment.)
3 Peace and Stability
Japan expressed its intention to support Africa's own efforts to achieve peace and stability, which are required preconditions for economic growth, investment, and betterment of livelihoods, under the New Approach for Peace and Stability in Africa (NAPSA), an initiative that approaches the root causes of impediments to human security as well as peace and stability while respecting Africa's ownership. At TICAD 8, Japan declared its aim to realize a society in which people can lead secure lives.
The examples of Japan's contribution are as follows.
(1) Consolidation of democracy and promotion of the rule of law
Japan provided capacity-building programs to 3,332 persons to build institutions and strengthen governance in the judicial and administrative sectors including anti-corruption measures.
Japan also supported the organization of elections in the
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, and Zimbabwe through UNDP. In addition, Japan is providing technical assistance through JICA to assist with election preparations in South Sudan.
On the topic of maritime security, JICA's technical assistance for
Djibouti, launched in October 2019, is on-going. Through this project, the Japan Coast Guard has provided support for the enhancement of the Djibouti Coast Guard in the field of both on-site response and instructor development for maritime law enforcement. Japan is also financing an on-going project of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for the capacity building of maritime law enforcement institutions in African countries such as Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Madagascar and Seychelle.
(2) Conflict prevention and peacebuilding
To support Africa's own efforts for mediation and conflict prevention, Japan approved the following three projects under the AU Peace Fund for FY2022, totaling US$ 134,000 and they are under implementation: (a) Knowledge-sharing activities utilizing knowledge tools of the AU Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), (b) Strengthening institutional capacity of the Pan-African Network of the Wise (PanWise) and the Network of African Women in Conflict Prevention and Mediation (FemWise-Africa), and (c) Peacebuilding in the Lake Chad region.
A project to improve police capacity of the Government of Somalia in view of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) drawdown (US$ 100,000) is also under implementation under the AU Peace Fund with Japan's financial contribution for FY2023.
Eleven projects were approved in FY2022 and FY2023 (totaling approx. US$ 3.7 million) to support PKO Training Centers in collaboration with UNDP in Benin, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Nigeria, and Togo.
Japan contributed an additional US$ 8.50 million to the UN Triangular Partnership Program in order to expand the area of training from existing engineering, medical, C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) and telemedicine to Counter Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IED) and environmental management and to develop and provide training sessions for African personnels to be dispatched to AU- led Peace Support Operations (AUPSOs).
The first Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa was appointed as announced at TICAD 8 and made a contribution to the promotion of peace and stability in the region through numerous visits to countries in the Horn of Africa, including Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan. He also served as a catalyst for Japan's collaboration with IGAD in seeking peace and stability in Sudan.
Japan has also contributed to support peacebuilding in Africa through the UN Peacebuilding Architecture, providing US$ 4.5 million to UN the Peacebuilding Fund in FY2023.
In order to counter terrorism and prevent violent extremism in the Sahel region and surrounding countries, Japan contributed US$ 2.15 million to an on-going project of UNODC as well as US$ 500,000 to a project of GCERF (Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund).
(3) Community Empowerment
JICA implemented humanitarian and development assistance to communities that are receiving approximately 1.6 million refugees and displaced people across 9 countries including Uganda and Zambia.
Japan supported the improvement of public services in 14 countries including Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Sierra Leone.
Japan provided approximately US$ 6.3 million through UNDP to stabilize the border areas of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger ("Liptako- Gourma" region) from 2022 to 2023. The total number of direct beneficiaries and indirect beneficiaries in the three target countries were 8,782 and 121,138, respectively. In addition, approximately US$ 3.1 million was provided through UNDP for the project "Enhancing Stabilisation and Human Security in the Lake Chad Basin" from 2023 to 2024, which aims to support the renewal of social service infrastructure, the maintenance of livelihoods by strengthening local communities, and the maintenance of social cohesion through dialogue in selected conflict- affected areas in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.
Asahikasei Fibers Italia s.r.l., implemented a unique project in collaboration with UNDP and the Italian company, Brunello S.p.A to support local dye workers in Mali to improve their working conditions and reduce the environmental impact of the Bazin fabric industry, with the support of the Embassy of Japan in Mali. The project includes capacity-building in business skills and the empowerment of the dye workers, who are mostly women.
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