JapanGov Weekly

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan [Sunday, Aug 28, 2016]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited the Republic of Kenya, the host country for TICAD VI, from August 26 to 28. The overview of the visit is as follows.
This marks the first visit to Kenya by a Japanese Prime Minister in 15 years, since Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori visited in 2001 (accompanied by then Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe), and is the very first state visit by a Japanese Prime Minister.

1. Schedule

(1) August 26 (FRI) morning

Floral tribute at the mausoleum of the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta
Welcome ceremony
Greetings with President Kenyatta
Japan-Kenya joint press occasion

(2) August 28 (SUN) evening

Summit meeting
Meeting with the economic mission
Signing ceremony
Japan-Kenya joint press occasion
Dinner hosted by President Kenyatta and the First Lady

2. Floral tribute at the mausoleum of the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta
Prime Minister Abe laid a wreath at the mausoleum of the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, the first President of Kenya, which is located within the National Assembly of Kenya.

3. Welcome ceremony

Prime Minister Abe attended a welcome ceremony held at the State House of Kenya. At the ceremony, Prime Minister Abe was welcomed by H.E. Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Kenya, the First Lady, General Samson Mwathethe, Chief of Defense Forces, Amb. Amina Mohamed, Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Mwangi Kiunjuri, Cabinet Secretary for Devolution and Planning, and others, after which he received a guard of honor salute.

4. Greetings with President Kenyatta
Following the welcome ceremony, Prime Minister Abe exchanged greetings with President Kenyatta. The two leaders confirmed cooperation for the success of TICAD VI, the first TICAD to be held in Africa.

5. Japan-Kenya joint press occasion
After exchanging greetings, Prime Minister Abe offered a joint press occasion with President Kenyatta, and expressed his determination to make TICAD VI a success and to strongly give a boost to the development agenda of Kenya and the rest of Africa.

6. Summit meeting
Congratulating the success of TICAD VI and thanking Japan’s support in the process, President Kenyatta welcomed Prime Minister Abe to Kenya and expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation for Japan’s efforts to give a boost to the economic growth of Kenya and the entire Africa. President Kenyatta stated that he wants to strengthen Japan-Kenya relations even more.

Prime Minister Abe expressed his gratitude for the efforts of President Kenyatta, Cabinet Secretary Amina, and Kenya as the host country for TICAD VI, and stated that Japanese public and private sectors will together deepen friendship with Kenya, which is Japan’s important partner as well as a gateway to East Africa, through making the win-win bilateral relations even more robust. Prime Minister Abe also expressed his intention to promote cooperation for the development of Mombasa Port, to which Japanese companies are paying high attention as a gateway to the Northern Corridor and a distribution hub for East Africa, as well as of Olkaria V Geothermal Power Plant.

The two leaders had a fruitful exchange of opinions on regional and global affairs and confirmed their intention to cooperate in international fora, including the United Nations Security Council.

7. Meeting with the economic mission

Prime Minister Abe, together with President Kenyatta, attended a meeting with Japanese companies that are accompanying Prime Minister Abe during his visit, Kenyan local companies, etc.

Prime Minister Abe himself introduced to President Kenyatta representatives of 12 Japanese companies and a university who are passionate to enhance exchanges with Kenya.

President Kenyatta introduced five major Kenyan companies and expressed his expectation towards further trade and investment from Japan to Kenya.

8. Signing ceremony
Mr. Fumio Kishida, Foreign Minister, and Mr. Henry K. Rotich, Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury, signed and exchanged the Japan-Kenya Investment Agreement as well as the Exchanges of Notes regarding two grant aid programs of up to one billion Japanese yen in total, in the presence of Prime Minister Abe and President Kenyatta.

9. Japan-Kenya joint press occasion
At a joint press occasion, the two leaders unveiled a Joint Statement (http://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000184235.pdf) , which compiled a wide vision to dramatically strengthen the Japan-Kenya relations.

10. Dinner hosted by President Kenyatta and the First Lady
Prime Minister Abe attended a dinner hosted by President Kenyatta and the First Lady at the State House. The two leaders congratulated the success of TICAD VI and, taking advantage of this state visit by Prime Minister Abe, expressed their resolution to further cement the bond of long-standing friendship and cooperation between Japan and Kenya by taking into account the Japan-Kenya Joint Statement.

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan] [Saturday, Aug 27, 2016]

Your Excellencies, Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I say hello to you all.

At long last, and exactly as promised, TICAD has come to Africa!

With 23 years behind us, TICAD is now on African soil, opening a new chapter in the relationship between Japan and African countries.

Throughout the continent, I cannot but think that we are witnessing a “quantum leap.”

To settle your financial transactions all you need is your phone. That is a service on the forefront of "fintech."

Take a look, also, at the ID card that is spreading in many countries. With this, you can get social security payments directly.

Today, Africa has leapfrogged over legacy technologies and aims at cutting-edge quality.
It is little wonder that an increasing number of young people from Japan find Africa intriguing and want to be a part of it.

Take, for example, “AfricaScan.”

It is a company launched in Nairobi by some young people who happened to get to know each other -- a Japanese woman who had worked in Senegal as a member of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers, or “JOCV,” a Japanese man who had obtained his MBA at Harvard Business School, and a man who grew up in Kenya.

Visit one of the retail shops they run, known as "Blue Spoon Kiosks," you will see there is an innovative service offered free of charge. You can have your blood pressure checked.

Ms. Kasumi Sawada, if you are here, could you perhaps stand up? Ladies and gentlemen, this is the young, former JOCV, Japanese entrepreneur, who is now running AfricaScan.

This continent has fostered a large number of JOCVs. And this same continent has now become the stage for young Japanese entrepreneurs such as her to pursue their dreams. Thank you so much, Ms. Sawada. Please take your seat.

Africa is now off and running, aiming at long-range goals, aspiring to be a certain kind of continent with certain kinds of countries in 2063.

Agenda 2063 -- the grandness of this concept, to the best of my knowledge, is simply unparalleled.

However, the enormous continent of Africa has given no permanent member to the United Nations Security Council. Agenda 2063 states clearly that by 2023, it will rectify this situation. Please accept my complete support on this point.

You in Africa have a right as a matter of course to demand that the international community better reflect your views. Africa should send a permanent member to the United Nations Security Council by 2023 at the very latest.

Reform of the United Nations Security Council is truly a goal that Japan and Africa hold in common. I call on everyone here to walk together towards achieving it. Can I have your approval of that?

Over the recent past, Africa has not been free from tragedy.

Ebola virus disease claimed over 10,000 lives.

Some countries are troubled by the plunge in the price of commodities, while in other nations, peace has been shattered.

I should nonetheless ask: Will Africa simply stop moving forward?

To the vast landmass of Africa blessed by the sunshine no "-ism" is more unsuited than pessimism. Am I not right?

Whatever problems there are in Africa, they are quite simply there to be solved, period.

And Japan is a country that ardently hopes to resolve the issues facing Africa together with Africa, and will not let up in its efforts.

We want to indulge in as much vitality and self-confidence as we can from you, when you are moving forward with your eyes firmly fixed on the future. That is why some 70 Japanese companies have sent executives here to TICAD. The Chairman of Keidanren, Mr. Sadayuki Sakakibara, also is with us. It is almost as if the entire Who’s Who in the Japanese business world has come to join us here at TICAD.

We have a feeling in our gut that in Africa, where possibilities abound, Japan can grow vigorously. Japanese companies can grow vigorously.

It is Japanese companies that are committed to quality. Theirs is a manufacturing philosophy that holds each individual worker in high esteem.

Our hunch is that the time has come to make the best of Japan's capabilities, Japanese companies' capabilities, for the advancement of Africa, where you seek nothing but quality in your socio-economic development. We must not let a good opportunity slip away. I declare to you that we will launch the “Japan-Africa Public and Private Economic Forum” as a permanent forum.

Members of the Japanese Cabinet, together with top executives from Japan’s major business associations and corporations, will visit Africa once every three years. They will meet with their African counterparts to pinpoint issues from the vantage point of businesses, identifying what needs to be done to enable Japanese and African companies to do more business together going forward. This makes it a forum bringing the power of the public and private sectors together to forge solutions.

Kenya and Japan will sign an investment agreement during my visit here. We will also be initiating negotiations on a tax treaty.

This will be followed by consultations on investment agreements to be launched with Cote d'Ivoire. Many more are expected in the future.

This year as TICAD takes place here on African soil, right now as a growing number of young people and companies from Japan pin their expectations on the future of Africa, the partnership connecting Japan and Africa has entered, really, a mutually beneficial stage.

Japan's pledges I am introducing now will also benefit both of us, Africa and Japan.

The pledges my government announced three years ago in Yokohama still have two years remaining before they fall due, and yet 67 percent of them have already been carried out.

Today’s new pledges enhance and further expand upon those launched three years ago. The motif here is “Quality and Empowerment,” which reflects the outcomes of the G7 Summit Japan hosted this year in a place called Ise-Shima.

Last year we saw agreement reached on the SDGs, and at COP21 succeeded in making progress. It was projected that TICAD VI would be the first major international conference on African development following those.

Right in the interim was it planned to hold the G7 Summit. "I must use it as an opportunity to help advance Africa." That was what was in my mind. And hence brought forth was the motif "Quality and Empowerment."

Under the same motif, the G7 Summit also emphasized that the key to empowering Africa rests in the provision of health care. We made a compilation of the actions underway in this field in recent years and set forth a vision that puts the future direction into sharp focus. I will return to this point later on in my remarks.

Allow me here to add to the word “Africa” the three modifiers of “quality,” “resilient” and “stable.” That is precisely the form of Africa that Japan will aim for, working together with you.

A “quality Africa” will be built through the three elements of infrastructure, human resources, and “kaizen.”

Infrastructure includes electrical power and also urban transport systems. For developing resources, and also for increasing the connectivity of the whole of Africa, it will be necessary to develop roads and ports.

This must be nothing other than “quality infrastructure.” At the G7 Summit we were united in our determination in this regard. This point was detailed in the “G7 Ise-Shima Principles for Promoting Quality Infrastructure Investment.”

Taking the initiative, Japan will appropriate approximately 10 billion US dollars to Africa over the next 3 years for building infrastructure. A portion of this will be executed through cooperation with the African Development Bank.

Electric generating capacity is expected to increase by 2000 megawatts. What is promising is geothermal power generation that can make use of Japanese technologies. Generating capacity from geothermal sources should provide enough to cover the demand from 3 million households in 2022.

Next, human resources.

Under the “ABE Initiative,” the number of future executives from Africa who have studied in Japan will soon reach a thousand.

Now we will introduce a new pillar to the ABE Initiative.

We want to foster future foremen and plant managers -- leaders at worksites. Over three years, the Initiative will foster roughly 1500 people.

Japan has a higher education system called “KOUSEN” specializing in fostering engineers. We will bring this system to Africa.

By 2018, we wish to have raised a total of 30 thousand people to be the human resources supporting the foundations of industry. Our aim is to cultivate these people by combining the forces of both Japan and Africa.

The final element is “kaizen,” which you are already familiar with.

“Kaizen” enhances productivity and decreases defective goods through the initiatives and ingenuity of the people working on the production line. The common philosophy running through this is trust in each individual worker. It is a philosophy and a method born in Japan.

Japan will cooperate with NEPAD to spread “kaizen” all throughout Africa.

We will aim to increase by 30 percent the productivity of factories where “kaizen” is introduced.

This is not impossible. In Ethiopia, there is a shoe manufacturer called Peacock Shoe that received training in “kaizen” 17 times, resulting in daily production jumping from 500 pairs of shoes a day to 800 -- a 60 percent increase.

A “resilient Africa” is one that does not capitulate to illness.

When a public health emergency like Ebola occurs, two things matter: to have preparedness in the local areas, and for the entire international community to confront it.

Japan will foster experts and policy professionals that will combat infectious diseases, for a total of 20 thousand people over 3 years.

At the G7 Summit, Japan set forth a contribution plan for the field of health. More than 500 million US dollars of that will be channeled through organizations such as the Global Fund and the World Bank’s Pandemic Emergency Financing Facility (PEF) in order to strengthen Africa’s health systems and counter infectious diseases. In doing so, we expect to save the lives of more than 300 thousand people.

Of course, promoting Universal Health Coverage, or “UHC,” is the foundation for everything.

In order to press ahead with UHC, we will select countries to serve as models and provide assistance intensively to those model countries, and then, using them as a doorway to further efforts, we will work to have UHC expand elsewhere. The goal will be to increase the population benefiting from fundamental health services by 2 million people over the next 3 years. We will of course work together with international organizations in promoting UHC.

I will also mention that we will launch the Initiative for Food and Nutrition Security in Africa, or “IFNA.” With nutrition being the very foundation of health, this is a measure we will advance jointly with NEPAD.

A “stable Africa” is one that goes all out to bring about peace and build the foundations for security.

Through the cooperation of the Government of Kenya, members of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces are currently in the outskirts of Nairobi training military engineering personnel on how to operate earth movers.

Once a conflict ends and nation building begins, progress cannot be made unless people are able to operate heavy machinery. The members of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces are working hard, fully aware that their activities are to boost the capacities of United Nations peacekeeping operations.

The very first time Japan’s Self-Defense Forces were engaged in PKO in Africa was in Mozambique in 1993, the same year in which the TICAD process started.

It is the trust that the SDFs have built up since then that has made the job of human resource development possible. For Japan, which bears the flag of “Proactive Contribution to Peace based on the principle of international cooperation,” this is a very gratifying development.

A “stable Africa” is also one in which young people have both self-efficacy and self-esteem.

In order to cultivate self-confidence and dreams in young people, Japan would like to provide vocational training to 50 thousand people over the next 3 years.

To bring about a quality, resilient, and stable Africa, Japan will empower, in other words, implement human resource development for 10 million people over three years beginning in 2016.

When combined with investment from the private sector, I expect the total will amount to 30 billion US dollars. This is an investment that has faith in Africa’s future, an investment for both Japan and Africa to grow together.

In the 23 years since the TICAD process began, the total amount of ODA to Africa that Japan has carried out amounts to 47 billion US dollars. Joined by Japan's private sector, the Africa-Japan relationship is poised to aim at an even higher peak.

When you cross the seas of Asia and the Indian Ocean and come to Nairobi, you then understand very well that what connects Asia and Africa is the sea lanes.

What will give stability and prosperity to the world is none other than the enormous liveliness brought forth through the union of two free and open oceans and two continents.

Japan bears the responsibility of fostering the confluence of the Pacific and Indian Oceans and of Asia and Africa into a place that values freedom, the rule of law, and the market economy, free from force or coercion, and making it prosperous.

Japan wants to work together with you in Africa in order to make the seas that connect the two continents into peaceful seas that are governed by the rule of law. That is what we wish to do with you.

The winds that traverse the ocean turn our eyes to the future.

The supply chain is already building something quite like an enormous bridge between Asia and Africa, providing industrial wisdom. The population in Asia living in democracies is more numerous than that of any other region on earth.

Asia has enjoyed growth on the basis of the democracy, rule of law, and market economy that has taken root there. It is my wish that the self-confidence and sense of responsibility spawned there as a result come to envelop the entirety of Africa together with the gentle winds that blow here.

Let us make this stretch that is from Asia to Africa a main artery for growth and prosperity. Let us advance together, Africa and Japan, sharing a common vision.

The future abounds with blazes of bright colors. We are poised to hear the intense yet refreshing beat of the drums. My African friends, let us continue to walk forward together, believing in the potential that the future holds.

Thank you very much.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan [Sunday, Aug 28, 2016]

1.0 Introduction

1.1 We, the Heads of State and Government and delegations of Japan and 54 African countries together with the representatives of 52 other partner countries, 74 international and regional organizations, representatives of the private sector and civil society organizations (CSOs) from both Japan and Africa met in Nairobi, Kenya, 27-28 August 2016, for the Sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI).

1.2 We welcome TICAD VI as the very first TICAD to be held in Africa. TICAD started in 1993 and has been serving as a pioneering multilateral forum for international cooperation on African development. Acknowledging the achievements made to date, we affirm that the first TICAD in Africa, which derives from a proposal from Africa itself, is a manifestation of African ownership of this process. We affirm that this occasion opens up a new chapter of the TICAD process.

1.3 We recognize that Africa is a dynamic continent that now hosts most of the fastest growing economies in the world. This has led to an increase in the number of countries that progressed from low income to middle income status. The continent is bestowed with rich natural resources and a fast growing population which is estimated to reach up to two billion in 2050. We especially acknowledge the growing middle class, which makes Africa a significant player in the global economy.

1.4 We affirm that TICAD is a unique process that has contributed remarkably to Africa's development and regional integration agenda. It is a forum that promotes synergy with a candid and heart-to-heart communication among Africa, Japan and the international community and values the sense of equality and mutual benefit. We acknowledge the contribution made so far by all co-organizers to the TICAD process - the Government of Japan, the United Nations, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank and the African Union Commission (AUC). Bearing in mind the high potential of this partnership, we reaffirm our strong commitment to continue to pursue the TICAD process with its distinctive elements stated below as its guiding principles:
Open and inclusive forum: TICAD is an open and inclusive forum built on the twin principles of African ownership and international partnership that continue to be strengthened. It mobilizes global support for Africa's development by promoting continuous dialogue, collaboration, and voluntary initiatives among a wide range of actors.
Engagement of multi-stakeholders: TICAD engages multiple actors such as governments, international and regional organizations, private sector and CSOs, each with its own comparative advantages. TICAD process also promotes south-south and triangular cooperation within the framework of national and regional development programmes.
Alignment with Africa's own agenda: TICAD is anchored on the conviction that Africa's socio-economic transformation is central to global stability and prosperity. It prioritizes the Africa's agenda, respects the continent's dignity, and uses a pragmatic development paradigm and modalities to bring concrete results to support Africa's development agenda.
Emphasis on human security and people-centered development: TICAD recognizes that the people of the African continent are the most precious resource and values each and every person's effort. TICAD also recognizes that enhancing the capacity of each person and community is the key to sustainable development. This human security approach is aligned to Africa's own aspiration for people-centered development.
Effective implementation with integrated follow-up mechanisms: TICAD has the three-tier follow-up mechanism (Joint Secretariat, Joint Monitoring Committee and Follow-up Meetings) with clear reporting which enhances the mutual accountability.

1.5 TICAD continues to play a unique role in the development dialogues on Africa through its innovative, open, multi-stakeholder approach, which provides for ample potential for its further evolution and transformation.

2.0 Analysis of the current status

2.1 Progress of TICAD V commitments

We welcome AUC's participation in the follow-up process, as a new co-organizer from TICAD V, which has further enhanced the African ownership of the TICAD process. We acknowledge with satisfaction the steady progress being made under the key strategic measures articulated at TICAD V. For instance, the progress recorded in promoting increased rice production under the multilateral initiative of CARD (Coalition for African Rice Development), and in advancing regional integration through region-wide transportation and trade corridor development is acknowledged. The giant strides achieved in enhancing the education and skills of young African men and women are also noted. We call on the various TICAD partners to accelerate efforts towards delivering the full implementation of the Yokohama Action Plan adopted at TICAD V, and confirm that it remains relevant.

2.2 Positive developments in Africa

2.2.1 We welcome the economic and social advancement and the progressing regional integration, such as the enhanced role of the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the New Partnership for Africa's Development Planning and Coordinating Agency (NPCA) and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) in Africa's development management. We acknowledge and praise the adoption of Agenda 2063 and its First Ten-Year Implementation Plan, as well as its several flagship projects, which have articulated the continent's development vision, aspirations, goals and priorities. We also recognize and commend the adoption of the Common African Position on the Post-2015 Development Agenda by African Heads of State and Government, which facilitated global negotiations and culminated in the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the United Nations.

2.2.2 We recognize that the goals and targets of Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are interrelated, and that we should shift from a silo to integrated approach of implementation with a commitment to leave no one behind. Further, we recognize the increasingly significant role of business in facilitating the continent's development particularly in promoting fair trade and investments, supporting entrepreneurial development, promoting technology transfer and creating decent jobs.

2.3 Three major emerging challenges in Africa

In spite of the foregoing progress, we acknowledge and share concerns on three major emerging challenges that have been impacting the development landscape in Africa since TICAD V in 2013.

2.3.1 Decline of global commodity prices

Firstly, we recognize the decline of global primary commodity prices has exacerbated fiscal pressure and debt sustainability of many countries. We acknowledge that most African economies need further diversification to reduce dependence on the primary commodity sector, especially the extractive industries. We also acknowledge the need for value addition and beneficiation. In this context, we recognize that promoting structural economic transformation through diversification, including development of the blue/ocean economy, promotion of green economy, expansion of agriculture and industrialization are essential to creating resilient economies, stimulating decent employment opportunities especially for youth and women, minimizing income and wealth disparities, and eradicating poverty as articulated in Agenda 2063. We also recognize the urgent need for Africa to put together strategies to take full advantage of its financial and human resources tapping into the demographic dividend and promoting employment opportunities, social integration and sustainable socio-economic development. We stress the importance of combatting illicit financial outflows through concerted international efforts.

2.3.2 Ebola outbreak

Secondly, the outbreak of the Ebola virus disease not only caused a huge loss of life but also crippled socio-economic activities in affected countries and impacted the rest of the continent. This underscores the importance of resilient and sustainable health systems in achieving human security, maintaining and promoting national productivity, and generating shared wealth. While the Ebola virus pandemic was contained and affected countries declared Ebola-free in the end, the experience has shown that the continent's health systems must be strengthened and have the capacity to respond to, better prepare for, and prevent pandemics and other public health crises. It has also highlighted the need for well coordinated swift international actions, including financial support, at the early stage of health emergencies. At the same time, in order to tackle the persistent burden of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, Zika, Yellow Fever and other communicable and non-communicable diseases, the continent requires increased access to health services, including those related to maternal and child health, immunization, sexual and reproductive health, non-communicable diseases, and nutrition, by all individuals throughout their lives. We recognize that concerted efforts are needed to improve health financing, procurement and supply chain management, and infrastructure for more effective service delivery as well as to close gaps in health workforce, information, governance, medical products, pharmaceuticals and technologies including affordable new vaccines. This will support the achievement of universal health coverage (UHC) in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063, which will also enhance preparedness for and prevention of public health emergencies.

2.3.3 Radicalization, terrorism, armed conflict and climate change

Thirdly, the rising wave of radicalization, acts of terrorism and armed conflict impedes social cohesion, destroys livelihoods and deepens vulnerabilities. We reiterate the importance of social stability to address radicalization, terrorism and violent extremism through a multidimensional strategy encompassing political, economic, social and cultural dimensions. From this perspective, we acknowledge that promoting inclusive and sustainable livelihoods and managing shocks and vulnerabilities can foster shared prosperity, address the root causes of radicalization, and underpin social stability. Helping countries to develop and implement affordable social protection mechanisms that improve access to productive assets for poor households and reduce seasonal income fluctuations is equally central to enhancing resilience. It is estimated that Africa will be the continent most severely impacted by climate change and seriously vulnerable to climate variability. We acknowledge that addressing climate change, the loss of natural resources, desertification, El Nino, natural disasters, as well as forced displacement, in a timely manner is essential to achieve social stability. We also recognize the crucial role played by relevant government authorities in Africa for long-term institution-building which is a priority for peacebuilding, as recognized in relevant UN Security Council documents. We welcome the contributions of many countries in sharing key priorities for institution-building in Africa on the occasion of the Open Debate on Peacebuilding in Africa of July 2016.

2.4 Africa's response to the emerging challenges

We applaud the efforts of African countries and African continental, regional and sub-regional organizations in addressing these challenges, and reaffirm our commitment to turning these challenges into opportunities for transformative development. We confirm that deepening the human and institutional capacities to address challenges, building on the continent's past gains and leveraging the capacity of the private sector to unleash socio-economic transformation, quality of life and national prosperity, remain critical.

2.5 Developments in the international arena

We recognize and welcome the outcome of international events and initiatives including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, the Third International Conference on the Financing for Development, the Tenth World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference, the twenty-first session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the World Humanitarian Summit, the G7 Ise-Shima Summit and the fourteenth session of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. These and other global initiatives, including the International Ebola Recovery Conference, have further galvanized our collective actions towards a better world. We affirm that TICAD VI comes at a critical juncture of translating global vision into concrete actions for Africa.

3.0 Priority areas of TICAD VI

We reaffirm that the Yokohama Declaration and Action Plan remain effective and their principles valid. We also reaffirm that actions therein, including boosting economic growth, accelerating infrastructure and capacity development, empowering farmers as mainstream economic actors, promoting sustainable and resilient growth, creating an inclusive society for growth, and consolidating peace, stability, democracy and good governance, will be duly implemented. TICAD VI builds on TICAD V, addresses Africa's emerging development challenges, and responds strategically to pertinent continental and global agreements such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change. We affirm the alignment of TICAD VI to Agenda 2063 and its First Ten Year Implementation Plan, relevant NEPAD programmes, regional and national development plans and strategic priorities.

Given the need to address the highlighted challenges and international development priorities mentioned above, and building on the TICAD guiding principles, including the imperatives of human security and engagement of multi-stakeholders, we affirm that the following pillars have been identified under TICAD VI.

3.1 Pillar 1: Promoting structural economic transformation through economic diversification and industrialization

3.1.1 Economic diversification and industrialization

We resolve to contribute in sustainable manner to economic diversification and industrialization by helping to accelerate the growth of industries including agriculture, livestock, minerals, blue/ocean economy, innovation and ICT-led economy, manufacturing and tourism. From this perspective, we will engage in energy issues, facilitate solutions to urban problems and create new markets by linking consumers, producers, farmers and economies through region-wide development. We will also promote value addition to and beneficiation of primary commodities, such as extractives and agricultural products by raising productivity in a sustainable way and developing national, regional and global value chains. We will also promote and support the role of African enterprises, including SMEs/SMIs, in such area as information and communication technology and tourism, and note the importance of free movement of goods, services and people.

3.1.2 Quality infrastructure

To further reinforce these efforts, we emphasize the importance of quality infrastructure, which ensures economic efficiency in view of life-cycle cost, reliable operation, safety, resilience against natural disasters, and sustainability, aligned with the development needs of African countries. We will promote investment in quality infrastructure which leads to job creation and transfer of expertise and know-how, as well as to capacity building of African countries and people, and that addresses social and environment impact and enhances connectivity at national, regional and continental levels.

3.1.3 Private sector development

We also emphasize the significant role played by the private sector and the importance of improving the business environment to promote trade and investment to create employment, especially for women and youth. We will take measures to enhance the role of private sector in development, including through increased private investment, entrepreneurship, business reform, innovation, public-private partnership and access to financing. We will encourage the introduction of incentives that would serve as an encouragement for industrialists to establish and enhance production capacities in Africa.

3.1.4 Human resource development

To promote and sustain structural transformation, we will also accelerate efforts to develop requisite skills through education, technical and vocational training, and to improve institutional capacity for economic diversification. We recognize that empowering youth and women is also central to achieving demographic dividends.

3.2 Pillar 2: Promoting resilient health systems for quality of life

3.2.1 Health system strengthening

We resolve to strengthen health systems to enhance their resilience, sustainability and inclusiveness. In so doing, we will aim to increase the continent's capacity to respond to, better prepare for and prevent epidemics, pandemics, other public health crises as well as address various health issues including Ebola, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, neglected tropical diseases, other communicable and non-communicable diseases including cancer, as well as future threats such as antimicrobial resistance. Our efforts include, inter alia, strengthening institutions and building national and local capacities by reinforcing capable, efficient, responsible, transparent, equitable and accountable health systems to improve essential service delivery; promoting research and development; developing the capacity of health service providers; promoting hygiene and access to safe water, sanitation, immunization, affordable medicine, nutrition and primary health care including maternal and child health; promoting collaboration in pharmaceutical technologies. We will also accelerate actions to improve health surveillance, monitoring and evaluation at national, regional and continental levels, bearing in mind the importance of the African Centres for Disease Control, and by implementing the International Health Regulations (IHR) with self and external evaluations.

3.2.2 Response to public health crises

The efforts to strengthen health systems at various levels throughout the continent should be well-coordinated with the current international movement towards reinforcing the global health architecture to strengthen prompt and effective response to public health crises, including the WHO reform on health emergencies, relevant funding mechanisms under WHO and the World Bank to enable adequate and timely disbursement of financial resources at the early stage of health emergencies and effective collaboration among relevant international and regional organizations as well as between countries from different regions. We also put particular emphasis on enhancing prevention and preparedness against pandemics, including by mobilizing financial resources through relevant international organizations. We also stress the importance of building on Africa's own experience in fighting against health crises to enhance networking of human resources within the continent.

3.2.3 Universal health coverage

We strongly believe that strengthened health systems will lay the foundation for achieving universal health coverage (UHC) which will contribute to strengthening preparedness for public health emergencies, as well as to improving the quality of life. We stress the importance of access to sexual and reproductive health and family planning, bearing in mind the reproductive rights and the rights of women and adolescent girls. We also welcome international and regional frameworks by multi-sectoral stakeholders including countries, international organizations, private sector and CSOs to promote UHC in a coordinated manner, such as "International Health Partnership for UHC 2030" and "UHC in Africa". There should be particular emphasis on country and community-led resilient, inclusive, and sustainable health systems supported by effective policymakers and managers to ensure country ownership and by coordinated international assistance, including efforts to increase global funding for health system strengthening to ensure health services to all individuals throughout their lives. A greater use of enhanced country coordination mechanisms for health system strengthening should also be supported. In this regard, research, development and innovation for addressing diseases are indispensable.

3.3 Pillar 3: Promoting social stability for shared prosperity

3.3.1 Social stability and peacebuilding

We resolve to promote social stability by responding comprehensively to security concerns. In this regard, we emphasize that protecting and empowering individuals, especially youth, women and persons with disabilities, families and their communities by improving access to education, technical and vocational training, job creation and opportunity, and promoting social cohesion, are fundamental. We also emphasize that youth empowerment and capacity development are central to achieving demographic dividends, preventing forced migration and conflict, and promoting peacebuilding. We also resolve to support enhancing the capacity of national and local government authorities as well as international and African regional institutions for peace and stability on the continent, including the capacity for surveillance and containment, cross-border security, coordinated border management and peacekeeping operations. Furthermore, we are committed to addressing the shocks and vulnerabilities associated with armed conflict, political instability and economic downturns.

3.3.2 Terrorism and violent extremism

We strongly condemn terrorism in all forms and manifestations, wherever and by whomever committed. The spread of terrorism undermines international peace and security and endangers our ongoing efforts to strengthen regional and global security and economy as well as to ensure sustainable growth and development. We reaffirm our commitment to fight against terrorism and violent extremism. We call for enhanced international cooperation in strengthening counter-terrorism capacity in Africa.

3.3.3 Global issues and challenges

We commit to address climate change, deforestation and desertification, poaching, loss of natural resources, food insecurity, water and energy deficit and natural disasters as well as their impacts on migration and security. We also note the negative impact of poverty, debt burden, unilateral and coercive measures on social stability. We welcome the Paris Agreement, and stress the critical importance of its implementation for achieving sustainable development. We look forward to the twenty second session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to be held in Morocco in November 2016.

3.3.4 Maritime security

We stress the importance of promoting regional and international efforts related to maritime security, including piracy, illegal fishing and other maritime crimes, maintaining a rules-based maritime order in accordance with the principles of international law as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). We also underscore the importance of strengthening maritime security and safety through international and regional cooperation, as reflected in 2050 Africa's Integrated Maritime Strategy (2050 AIM Strategy), in accordance with international maritime laws.

3.3.5 United Nations in the 21st century

We reaffirm our determination to urgently reform UN bodies, including the Security Council, and will maintain political momentum through enhanced dialogue to find the best approach.

3.4 Strategies for cross cutting areas

We acknowledge that in order to address effectively the issues under the aforementioned three pillars and achieve concrete results, we need to utilize and promote measures along the following cross-cutting areas as enablers:
Empowering youth, women and persons with disabilities: We affirm that quality education and requisite skills for youth and women could be a driving force for structural economic transformation and industrialization. It is also a basis for sound health systems and a prerequisite for social stability.
Promoting science, technology and innovation: Science, technology including ICT, and innovation are useful tools for realizing sustained quality growth in wide range of sectors including, not only in high value added industry but also in areas such as food security, health, climate change, other environmental issues as well as social stability. It could also be used to address security challenges.
Human resource development: We reaffirm that human resource development is a key catalyst for economic transformation.
Advancing public-private partnerships: We acknowledge that partnership between public and private organizations helps to maximize development results.
Engaging private sector and civil society: We also recognize the crucial role the private sector plays in accelerating rapid economic growth, creating decent jobs and promoting human resource development and enhancing exchanges in the areas such as economy, education, culture, sport and science. Civil society engagement, including volunteer opportunities, needs to be further promoted.
Strengthening institutions and good governance: Good governance, as well as democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law are fundamental bases of development. These are in line with the concept of human security which is one of the guiding principles of TICAD and are also advocated as aspiration 3 in Agenda 2063. Towards this end, we recognize the importance of the strengthening of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and the establishment of the African Human Security Index.

4.0 Nairobi Implementation Plan and way forward

4.1 Nairobi Implementation Plan

4.1.1 We reiterate the commitment to continue implementing measures under the Yokohama Action Plan 2013-2017. As we shed light on the recent emerging challenges and developments, we are also committed to promoting the measures, as described in Nairobi Implementation Plan, in support of the aforementioned priority areas under the three pillars; Promoting structural economic transformation through diversification and industrialization; Promoting resilient health systems for quality of life; and Promoting social stability for shared prosperity.

4.1.2 We reaffirm that the measures we take will be aligned with Agenda 2063 and its First Ten Year Implementation Plan, relevant NEPAD programmes, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as well as the Paris Agreement on climate change.

4.2 Follow-up mechanism

We affirm that effective implementation of the measures under the three pillars will call for an efficient follow-up mechanism, underpinned by robust monitoring and reporting systems. The Joint Secretariat, the Joint Monitoring Committee and the Follow-up Meetings have substantial roles to play in ensuring quality results within the timeframe of the partnership.

4.3 Way forward

4.3.1 Yokohama Action Plan 2013-2017 remains effective and will be valid until TICAD VII. Nairobi Implementation Plan will provide additional measures to address newly emerging priorities stipulated in Nairobi Declaration and form an integral part of extended Yokohama Action Plan. We are committed to steadily promote this process to effectively reflect Africa's developmental needs based on overall ownership of its development agenda.

4.3.2 TICAD VII will be held in Japan in 2019. Follow-up meetings at ministerial and senior official -levels will be held before TICAD VII.

4.3.3 We express our sincere appreciation to H.E. Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya, for co-chairing and hosting TICAD VI in Nairobi. We further express our deep gratitude to the Government and the people of the Republic of Kenya for the warm hospitality extended to the participants of TICAD VI.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan [Saturday, Aug 27, 2016]

1. On Friday, August 26, commencing at 4:55 p.m. (local time; 10:55 p.m., Japan time) for approximately 15 minutes, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is visiting Nairobi, the Republic of Kenya, to attend the Sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI), attended a high-level event on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Africa at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), and delivered a keynotespeech ((PDF) http://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000183592.pdf).

2. In his speech, Prime Minister Abe, learning lessons from the Ebola outbreak in Africa, expressed his determination to work with African leaders for strengthening response to public health emergencies and for achieving UHC, which will subsequently contribute to the prevention of and preparedness for health crises from times of peace. Further, Prime Minister Abe emphasized that Japan will collaborate with African countries to construct resilient health systems – especially by facilitating policy and system reforms and human resources development.

(Reference)
This side event was held jointly by the Government of Japan, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Government of Kenya, African Union Commission (AUC), World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO) and The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (The Global Fund), from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The main attendees were Mr. Shinichi Kitaoka, President of JICA; Dr. Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank; H.E. Mr. William Ruto, Deputy President of Kenya; H.E Dr. Tedros Adhanom, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia; Dr. Margaret Chan, Director General, WHO; Dr. Mark Dybul, Executive Director, The Global Fund; Dr. Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina, President, African Development Bank; H.E. Mr. Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal; and Mr. Yasuhisa Shiozaki, Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare (based on the order in which they spoke). With the goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Africa, The World Bank, WHO, The Global Fund, African Development Bank and Japan jointly announced “UHC in Africa” as a framework for African countries to refer to when formulating specific national policies.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan [Friday, Aug 26, 2016]

On August 26, commencing at 11:15 a.m. (local time; 5:15 p.m. Japan time) for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, who was visiting Nairobi, Kenya to attend the Sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI), held a Japan-Guinea Summit Meeting with H.E. Prof. Alpha Condé, President of the Republic of Guinea. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
At the beginning of the meeting, Prime Minister Abe wholeheartedly welcomed President Condé’s attendance at TICAD VI, and stated his desire to cooperate to make the first TICAD to be held in Africa a success. In response, President Condé expressed gratitude for Prime Minister Abe’s commitment to Africa and for holding TICAD in Africa.
After this, Prime Minister Abe welcomed the end of the Ebola virus disease epidemic in Guinea, and expressed the desire to steadily implement development cooperation toward recovery and development, in particular announcing the promotion of the Project for the Improvement of the Bridges of National Road No.1 and the implementation of new food assistance.
President Condé, while expressing his gratitude for the support from Japan, expressed the desire to proceed with bilateral cooperation with Japan in a wide range of areas such as agriculture including rice production, healthcare and fishing, and expressed the hope for the introduction of high-efficiency power generation utilizing Japanese technology and the entry of Japanese businesses into Guinea.
The two leaders also exchanged views on such matters as African development, whaling, and cooperation in the international arena including United Nations Security Council reform.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan [Friday, Aug 26, 2016]

On August 26, commencing at 12:08 (local time; 6:08 p.m. Japan time) for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, who was visiting Nairobi, Kenya to attend the Sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI), held a Japan-Côte d’Ivoire Summit Meeting with H.E.Mr. Alassane Dramane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
At the beginning of the meeting, Prime Minister Abe wholeheartedly welcomed President Ouattara’s attendance at TICAD VI, and stated his desire to cooperate to make the first TICAD to be held in Africa a success. In response, President Ouattara stated that holding TICAD in Africa is of historical and symbolic significance and an honor, and expressed gratitude for Japan’s enthusiasm for Africa expressed through TICAD.
Following this, the two leaders announced the commencement of negotiations for a bilateral investment treaty in order to encourage the further entry of Japanese businesses into Côte d’Ivoire, and concurred to cooperate towards its early conclusion.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe announced the intent to implement grant aid for the establishment of a landing area and provide loan aid (up to 10.869 billion yen) for the construction of a cereal berth at the Port of Abidjan. In response, President Ouattara expressed his gratitude, stating that assistance from Japan gives hope to the people of Côte d’Ivoire.
The two leaders also exchanged views on such matters as African development and cooperation in the international arena including United Nations Security Council reform.

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan] [Saturday, Aug 27, 2016]

On August 26, commencing at 5:20 p.m. (local time; 11:20 p.m. Japan time) for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, who was visiting Nairobi, Kenya to attend the Sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI), held a Japan-Ghana Summit Meeting with H.E. Mr. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. At the start of the meeting, Prime Minister Abe expressed his hope to cooperate with President Mahama, who has deep connections with Japan, to achieve further advances in bilateral relations that have moved forward since President Mahama’s visit to Japan in May 2016 and contribute to the success of the historical TICAD Summit Meeting being held for the first time in Africa. President Mahama showed his appreciation for the warm welcome he received during his visit to Japan as well as for the outcome of the visit and expressed his will to contribute to TICAD VI.

2. The two leaders agreed on the importance of initiatives related to the early conclusion of an investment agreement, prompt realization of a yen loan for the Eastern Corridor Project, and advancing efforts related to universal health coverage (UHC) in Ghana. Additionally, President Mahama spoke favorably about Japan’s cooperation through ODA, including Japan’s contributions in the health and medical care field through the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.

3. The two leaders also exchanged views on such matters as African development and cooperation in the international arena including United Nations Security Council reform.

Photograph of Prime Minister Abe shaking hands with the President of Ghana Photograph of the Japan-Ghana Summit Meeting

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan [Saturday, Aug 27, 2016]

On August 26, commencing at 7:31 p.m. (local time; August 27 1:31 a.m. Japan time) for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, who was visiting Nairobi, Kenya to attend the Sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI), held a Japan-Equatorial Guinea Summit Meeting with H.E. Gen. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. At the start of the meeting, Prime Minister Abe stated his hope to cooperate with President Obiang Nguema to make progress in bilateral relations and achieve success in the historic TICAD Summit Meeting being held in Africa. In response, President Obiang Nguema expressed gratitude for the invitation to TICAD and commented that Japan is a friend to the Republic of Equatorial Guinea and hopes to further enhance the current excellent level of cooperation.

2. Prime Minister Abe expressed his hope for investment activities by Japanese companies in Equatorial Guinea, in such fields as natural gas, and requested cooperation in enhancement of the investment environment. In response, President Obiang Nguema noted his hope for cooperation from Japan in various areas including human resource development, agriculture, and fishery.

3. The two leaders also exchanged views on such matters as African development and cooperation in the international arena including United Nations Security Council reform.