AfDB Secures Stronger Japanese Support on First Official Visit
African Development Bank Group President Dr Sidi Ould Tah has concluded a successful three-day official visit to Japan, marking his first trip to the country since assuming office in September.
The visit reinforced the longstanding AfDB–Japan partnership and advanced discussions on financing, innovation, and sustainable development across Africa.
Dr Ould Tah held high-level meetings with senior Japanese government officials, including Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama, as well as leaders from key institutions such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI), and the Japan Association of Corporate Executives (KEIZAI DOYUKAI).
Talks centred on mobilising Japanese financing and guarantees for African capital markets, with an emphasis on strengthening private-sector channels including commercial banks, insurers, trading firms, and export-credit agencies.
The visit also continued momentum from the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), held in Yokohama in August 2025, by translating high-level commitments into concrete investment opportunities.
Japan’s support through the Enhanced Private Sector Assistance for Africa (EPSA) initiative remains central to the partnership. Under EPSA, the AfDB and JICA have committed to a joint financing target of up to USD 5.5 billion for 2026–2028.
The Fund for African Private Sector Assistance (FAPA) and the Policy and Human Resource Development Grant (PHRDG) have further contributed to skills development, innovation, and private-sector growth across the continent.
During the visit, Dr Ould Tah also attended the official rollout of the Africa–Asia Platform, alongside University of Pretoria Vice-Chancellor Prof Francis Petersen and University of Tokyo President Dr Teruo Fujii. The initiative aims to strengthen knowledge exchange and academic collaboration between the two regions.
The AfDB president highlighted Japan’s vital role in supporting Africa’s green growth, digital transformation, and sustainable development through technology, expertise, and financial cooperation.
He reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to deepening engagement with Japanese institutions and private-sector partners.
“Japan has consistently demonstrated its steadfast partnership with Africa,” Dr Ould Tah said. “This visit has been an opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to building a more sustainable, innovative, and prosperous future. Together, we will deepen cooperation that delivers tangible impact for African people.”
The visit concluded with a renewed pledge to advance Africa–Japan collaboration and unlock new opportunities for inclusive growth and regional integration.
