President William Ruto today addressed the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), highlighting Kenya’s strategic vision to leverage aerial economic resources, revolutionize agriculture, expand healthcare access, and advance electronic mobility systems. The conference, hosted in Yokohama, underscores the deepening ties between Kenya and Japan, with Japanese investments in Kenya now exceeding Ksh600 billion, making Kenya the largest beneficiary of Japanese support in Africa.
In his keynote address, President Ruto stressed the critical role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in fostering inclusive growth and called for stronger Japanese partnerships to enhance investment in key sectors. “Our collaboration with Japan is a cornerstone of Kenya’s development agenda, aimed at building a sustainable and prosperous future,” Ruto remarked, emphasizing the need to remove trade barriers and unlock Africa’s economic potential.
TICAD 9, which runs from August 20 to 22, serves as a vital platform for African leaders and global partners to discuss sustainable development and economic integration. President Ruto’s participation reflects Kenya’s proactive approach to international cooperation, particularly with Japan, a long-standing ally in Africa’s development landscape.
Japan’s Foreign Press Secretary, Takeshi Osuga, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to Africa’s economic integration, particularly the AfCFTA, stating, “Japan stands ready to support Africa’s journey towards a more connected and prosperous continent.”
During the conference, discussions are expected to focus on specific collaborative projects, such as the expansion of Mombasa port as a regional hub and the promotion of e-mobility to address environmental challenges. These initiatives align with Japan’s broader strategy to improve the investment climate in Kenya and support Africa’s transition to sustainable development.
As TICAD 9 progresses, the outcomes are poised to strengthen the Kenya-Japan partnership, paving the way for increased investment and technological collaboration. This alliance not only benefits Kenya but also positions Africa as a key player in global economic dialogues, driven by strategic international partnerships.
