President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Tokyo, Japan, to attend the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), with the goal of deepening economic cooperation with Japan and attracting greater private investment to Nigeria.
Upon arrival at Haneda International Airport, Tinubu emphasised Nigeria’s openness to business partnerships, saying, “Nigeria is open for business and ready for partnership.”
The visit would mark President Tinubu’s first official trip to Japan since taking office on May 29, 2023, and signified a crucial step in Nigeria’s efforts to expand trade relations with Asia and pursue sustainable growth and industrialization.
Tinubu aimed to strengthen economic ties between Nigeria and Japan, focusing on technology, innovation, human capital, and job creation opportunities.
In Yokohama, the host city of the summit, the President said he would make a case for Nigeria as a prime investment destination to Japanese business leaders, highlighting key sectors and opportunities.
During the three-day gathering, themed “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa”, the President will attend plenary sessions, hold bilateral meetings with fellow heads of state, and meet Japanese executives.
“Our engagement will focus on technology, innovation, human capital and opportunities that will create jobs for our people,” he added.
Japanese officials emphasised the significance of Nigeria’s presence. Ambassador Matsubara said: “President Tinubu’s attendance underscores the importance Japan attaches to its relationship with Nigeria. We believe TICAD provides the right platform for long-term partnership.”
The conference, co-hosted by the Japanese government, the United Nations, UNDP, the World Bank and the African Union Commission, has since 1993 served as Japan’s premier diplomatic and economic forum with Africa.
According to organisers, TICAD 9 will “focus on economic transformation, private investment and institutional development” across Africa and Asia.
The forum’s emphasis on African ownership and international partnership, they noted, “aligns with President Tinubu’s agenda to boost economic integration, human resource development and industrialisation across the continent.”
This year’s summit, running from 20 to 22 August, brings together African leaders, development partners, the private sector and civil society. It follows the last edition hosted by Tunisia in 2022.
