[Title] TICAD Ministerial Meeting 2024: Closing Session Statement by H. E. Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs

1. Summary of three plenary sessions

We had very fruitful discussions in the three plenary sessions held over the

past two days. Under the theme of "Co-creating innovative solutions, together with Africa," various actors brought their ideas to the table and discussed issues by taking into consideration the three perspectives of (1) solving issues with a future-oriented mindset, (2) focusing on young people and women, and (3) utilizing connectivity and intelligence platforms.

In the first session, we confirmed the need for interaction and cooperation among young people of Japan and Africa. New business ideas will be generated through encounters between people, and those ideas will lead to further possibilities for solving issues when combined with effective use of scientific technology. For the realization of a sustainable future, participants shared valuable ideas to solve various social issues, such as strengthening health systems to achieve universal health coverage as well as making environmental and climate efforts.

In the second session, we secured buy-in from many countries on the importance of WPS.

Based on the idea that it is important for women to take on roles in the peacemaking process in order to realize sustainable peace, Japan announced the launch of the "Initiative to Develop Female Talent for Peacebuilding in the Horn of Africa" with IGAD serving as a base.

Moreover, we confirmed that it is important to enhance good governance and the rule of law to achieve peace and stability. We also confirmed the understanding that UN Security Council reform is necessary in order for the voice of Africa to be reflected correctly in efforts toward solving issues surrounding Africa's peace and stability, which is one of the key issues of the international society.

In the third session, we shared the need to build fair and robust start-up ecosystems that sustainably create innovation and the need to establish free and open business environments in collaboration with the private sector. In addition, the importance of roles to be played by young people and women in economic transformation was also emphasized.

In anticipation of TICAD 9, I look forward to seeing businesses in Japan and Africa including startups co-create innovative solutions to issues, turning them into concrete developments that are "Made with Japan."

2. Conclusion

In the Ministerial Meeting, we focused on solving issues through dialogue while

carefully listening to the views of the African side by including bilateral meetings with each participating country as well as two working lunches.

Moreover, a number of innovative solutions were shared during the Meeting, including six thematic sessions, and I believe we are aligned on deploying those solutions and ideas across various regions in Africa, and moreover, contributing to solving global issues.

The experience and ideas you shared during the Ministerial Meeting are now assets of all participants. I hope there are ideas that can be adopted in your own country. Please take home the fruits of our discussions and put them into practice in your country. TICAD is a forum for discussion where everyone brings their ideas to the table. Please share the outcomes and issues at TICAD 9 to be held next year.

I would like to thank the co-organizers, ministers of participating countries and all the attendees who participated in the active discussions. Let's continue to work in close cooperation for the success of TICAD 9.