Ramaphosa Leads SA Delegation to TICAD9 in Japan to Bolster Africa-Japan Ties

The Presidency emphasized that these challenges are compounded by rising food, fuel, and energy costs, which have deepened poverty and widened inequality, particularly in developing countries.

 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Yokohama City, Japan, where he is leading South Africa’s high-level delegation at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9). The summit, taking place from 20–22 August 2025, is held under the theme “Co-creating Innovative Solutions with Africa.”

Africa-Japan Partnership at a Critical Juncture

TICAD, which has become one of the most important platforms for Africa’s engagement with global partners, is co-organized by the Government of Japan, the African Union (AU), the United Nations, and other key stakeholders. This year’s conference comes at a time when the world is grappling with multiple crises: geopolitical instability, ongoing conflicts, disruptions to global trade, and the erosion of multilateral approaches to problem-solving.

The Presidency emphasized that these challenges are compounded by rising food, fuel, and energy costs, which have deepened poverty and widened inequality, particularly in developing countries. For Africa, already constrained by limited fiscal space, the continent’s debt and liquidity crisis is worsening socio-economic hardships.

“Discussions at TICAD9 present an opportunity for Africa and Japan to collectively address these challenges through stronger cooperation and innovative solutions,” the Presidency said.

Thematic Focus of TICAD9

The summit’s agenda is structured around three central plenary themes that align with the long-standing partnership between Africa and Japan:

• Society: Realizing a Sustainable Future – with emphasis on climate resilience, healthcare systems, and human development.

• Economy: Promoting Trade and Investment – focusing on infrastructure, industrialization, and technology-driven growth.

• Peace and Stability: Ensuring Human Dignity and Human Security – addressing conflict resolution, governance, and inclusive security frameworks.

South Africa’s Priorities

As a member of the AU, South Africa has made clear that it will prioritize securing Japan’s support for the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP) of Agenda 2063, known as “The Africa We Want.” Pretoria’s key areas of focus include infrastructure development, peace and security, and health.

President Ramaphosa will also use the platform to advance South Africa’s Presidency of the G20, aiming to strengthen collective multilateral solutions at a global level. In addition, he will pursue bilateral economic engagements with Japan to deepen trade and investment relations.

Strengthening South Africa-Japan Relations

The year 2025 marks 115 years of relations between South Africa and Japan, a milestone underscoring the longevity and resilience of the partnership. Since establishing full diplomatic relations in 1992, bilateral trade and cooperation have expanded significantly.

Japan is currently one of the largest investors in South Africa, with over R90 billion invested across multiple sectors. More than 260 Japanese companies operate in the country, collectively sustaining over 150,000 local jobs.

In 2024, bilateral trade between the two nations reached R132 billion, with South Africa enjoying a R52 billion trade surplus. Japan remains South Africa’s fourth-largest global trading partner and a critical economic ally.

President Ramaphosa is expected to engage with top Japanese business leaders during TICAD9, highlighting South Africa’s investment potential and encouraging fresh commitments from Japanese industry. A parallel South African high-level business delegation is also participating in the summit to explore new opportunities for collaboration.

Promoting Global Health and Security

On the margins of TICAD9, President Ramaphosa will deliver a keynote address in his capacity as Chair of the Global Leader’s Network for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health. He will call for increased investments in health systems targeting vulnerable groups, stressing that access to healthcare is not only a moral imperative but also a foundation for peace and human security.

South Africa’s Delegation

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by a strong ministerial delegation, reflecting the breadth of South Africa’s priorities at the summit. The team includes:

• Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola

• Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Dr Bonginkosi Nzimande

• Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau

• Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa

• Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla

• Senior government officials and representatives of business

Looking Ahead

The engagements at TICAD9 are expected to further cement Africa-Japan cooperation while opening new avenues for trade, technology transfer, infrastructure development, and peacebuilding. For South Africa, the summit represents both an opportunity to advance national economic priorities and a platform to strengthen its leadership role on the African continent and within global governance frameworks.