The 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) kicked off in Yokohama, Japan, with speeches by African Union President João Lourenço and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
During his speech, João Lourenço highlighted Angola as an example of the projects already agreed upon between Japan and Angola, highlighting the infrastructure and industrial sectors. He cited the construction of transmission lines and substation systems in the south of the country, as well as the Port of Moçâmedes, considered strategic for logistics and commercial development.
In his speech, he also announced the signing, during his stay in Japan, of new memoranda between Angola and the Japanese company Toyota, known worldwide for its vehicle manufacturing but also active in other areas related to mobility. A memorandum will also be signed between Angola and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The President of the Republic considered cooperation with Japan essential to consolidate the country's efforts in the process of modernization and sustainable economic growth. He also stated that the Angola-Japan partnership is an example of mutually beneficial cooperation.
Therefore, he considered it "imperative to intensify dialogue," using the positive experiences of Japanese companies already present in Africa as an example to encourage others to invest.
He identified sectors such as minerals, energy, the naval and automotive industries, trains and electric vehicles, as well as agriculture, as priority areas for mutual growth.
He mentioned that the TICAD9 Business Fair is the ideal space for dialogue between the African continent and Japan, serving as a platform for bringing businesspeople together and encouraging trade exchanges between Japanese investments in Africa and, conversely, between African countries in Japan.
TICAD9 runs until the end of the week, bringing together African leaders, international partners, and businesspeople to discuss joint strategies for trade, investment, and sustainable development.
