UNDP Africa Director Visits Japan to Strengthen Strategic Partnership between Africa and Japan

Ahunna Eziakonwa, UN Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Director for Africa (Assistant Administrator), will make an official visit to Japan from May 12 to 17, 2026.

Currently, global uncertainty is further increasing due to rising geopolitical risks, including the situation in the Middle East. The impact is spreading beyond regions, affecting economies in various countries and regions, including Africa and Japan, in the form of rising food and energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and tightening fiscal constraints. This situation once again highlights the high interdependence of the global economy and the importance of coordinated responses.

In this context, the importance of international cooperation and strategic partnerships is higher than ever. Japan is in a position to demonstrate leadership in the international community by building new relationships with Africa that emphasize co-creation, innovation, and mutual economic value creation, going beyond traditional development assistance.

Building on the momentum of TICAD, cooperation between Africa and Japan is further deepening around the following areas:

* Building resilient supply chains and economic diversification
* Expanding investment opportunities and promoting private sector participation
* Promoting digitalization and innovation ecosystems
* Fostering next-generation leaders through youth participation and human resource exchange

UNDP supports the realization of these visions by connecting governments, private companies, academic institutions, and young innovators. As a 'bridge-builder' that connects partnerships to actual projects and results, UNDP is working to create scalable solutions. This visit aims to further strengthen the collaboration between Africa and Japan as a crucial pillar of Japan's global strategy and to build momentum towards promoting multilateral cooperation and achieving sustainable growth.

During her stay, Director Eziakonwa will engage in wide-ranging discussions with government officials, parliamentarians, development partners, private companies, university representatives, and youth leaders, conveying the significance of multilateral cooperation and the importance of strategic investment in Africa.

Key Schedule

AFRICONVERSE Okinawa May 15, 2026 (Friday) | JICA Okinawa International Center Multipurpose Hall

UNDP and JICA will co-host the TICAD-related event "AFRICONVERSE" in Okinawa. The event will explore practical collaboration possibilities for innovation in the health sector, strengthening medical systems, and improving access to quality healthcare services.

Ryukyu University Special Lecture May 15, 2026 (Friday) | Okinawa

A special lecture will be held on the relationship between peace, development, and innovation. While considering the historical significance of Okinawa's reversion to Japan, the lecture will connect local experiences with global challenges and explore the role and potential of youth in co-creation between Africa and Japan.

Model African Union (MAU) Japan Edition May 17, 2026 (Sunday) 9:30-11:30 | Sophia University Building 2 (Tokyo)

Co-hosted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Sophia University, this event will be held under the theme "Ubuntu: Youth Creating the Future Together in the Spirit of Coexistence." It is a program where Japanese and African students practice negotiations, policy discussions, and consensus-building in the format of the African Union, serving as a platform to elevate youth participation from 'dialogue' to 'action.' As a key youth platform within TICAD, it aims to nurture human resources who will lead future Africa-Japan relations.