African Development Bank to Drive Partnerships and Investment at TICAD9 in Japan

 The African Development Bank (AfDB) is set to play a central role at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), which will take place in Yokohama, Japan, from August 20 to 22, 2025. With the continent striving to bridge critical investment gaps and strengthen resilience against economic and climate shocks, the Bank’s participation highlights its leadership in mobilizing global partnerships — particularly with Japan — to accelerate Africa’s transformation.

TICAD9: A Defining Moment for Africa

Launched in 1993, TICAD has grown into one of the most important international platforms for advancing Africa’s development agenda. Co-hosted by the United Nations, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, and the African Union Commission (AUC), the conference has consistently catalyzed growth through grant aid, technical assistance, and knowledge exchange.

This year’s gathering comes at a pivotal moment, with African nations seeking solutions to persistent challenges in infrastructure, climate adaptation, and economic resilience. The African Development Bank, as one of the continent’s leading financial institutions, will use TICAD9 to deepen strategic partnerships and scale private sector investment, both crucial for driving inclusive growth.

AfDB Delegation at TICAD9

The Bank’s high-level delegation reflects its commitment to delivering impact across sectors. Among those attending are:

• Kevin Kariuki, Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth

• Solomon Quaynor, Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure, and Industrialization

• Nnenna Nwabufo, Vice President for Regional Development, Integration, and Business Delivery

• Kevin Urama, Chief Economist and Vice President for Economic Governance & Knowledge Management

Several senior directors will also join discussions, underlining the Bank’s cross-sector focus at TICAD9.

Their strong presence ensures AfDB at TICAD9 will influence key investment priorities.

Strengthening AfDB–Japan Collaboration

The African Development Bank’s long-standing collaboration with Japan through TICAD has evolved into a robust framework for development finance, innovation, and private sector engagement. Central to this partnership is the Enhanced Private Sector Assistance for Africa (EPSA) initiative, launched in 2005 in collaboration with the Government of Japan.

EPSA draws from global best practices and successful Asian development models, and it comprises four key pillars:

• Accelerated Co-financing Facility for Africa (ACFA)

• Non-Sovereign Loans (NSL)

• Fund for African Private Sector Assistance (FAPA)

• Private Sector Investment Finance

Over the years, EPSA has mobilized billions in co-financing for African businesses and infrastructure projects. Japan’s backing has also strengthened AfDB’s capital base, reinforcing its ability to fund transformative initiatives across the continent.

During TICAD9, the Bank and Japan are expected to sign an extension under EPSA6, reaffirming their joint commitment to private sector-led growth in Africa. This move will once again put AfDB at TICAD9 in the spotlight for its leadership role.

Driving Strategic Investment in Key Sectors

Beyond EPSA, AfDB continues to collaborate with Japanese institutions such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), and Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI). These partnerships have supported projects across energy, transport, health, and climate resilience, advancing the Bank’s “High 5” development goals.

At TICAD9, the Bank will host side events aimed at channeling Japanese investment into priority areas such as: green hydrogen, transportation, healthcare, agriculture, and education.

The Africa Investment Forum (AIF) — a flagship partnership of AfDB and eight other institutions — will also be showcased as an innovative marketplace for mobilizing capital into high-impact projects.

During the AIF’s Market Days held in December 2024 in Morocco, a special event targeted Japanese investors. The “Japan Special Room” session, titled “Agricultural Innovation & Green Growth: Transforming Africa’s Investment Landscape”, attracted nearly 100 participants, including Japanese corporations, startups, and public institutions, underscoring growing Japanese interest in African opportunities.

Addressing Africa’s Energy Gap

Energy access remains one of Africa’s greatest challenges, and TICAD9 is expected to place this issue high on the agenda. On August 19, a day before the official conference opening, JICA and partners organized a high-level event titled “Harnessing Innovation, Co-creation, and Knowledge for Accessible and Resilient Energy for Africa.”

The session, moderated by Wale Shonibare, AfDB Director of Energy Financial Solutions, Policy and Regulation, brought together more than 200 government officials, ministers, and development partners. Shonibare emphasized that without energy — the bedrock of development — Africa cannot unlock its full potential.

He highlighted sobering statistics:

• 600 million Africans currently lack access to reliable electricity, representing 83% of the global population without power.

• 900 million people still have no access to clean cooking solutions.

• Five countries — Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania — account for half of those without electricity access.

Persistent underinvestment in energy infrastructure, he added, remains a major hurdle, but innovative financing and international cooperation can help bridge this gap.

Looking Ahead

With Japan and other partners, the Bank aims to mobilize resources, accelerate private sector growth, and deliver tangible progress toward the continent’s sustainable development goals.

The outcomes of TICAD9 — from EPSA6 to renewed energy partnerships — will mark another step in AfDB’s mission to transform Africa’s development landscape.

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