TICAD 9: Weighing the Outcomes and Future Prospects

The 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development, commonly referred to as TICAD 9, was held in Tunisia from August 27 to 28, 2025. This conference marked a significant milestone in the TICAD process, which was initiated in 1993 to promote African development through international cooperation. Over the years, TICAD has evolved to address the changing needs and priorities of African countries, with a focus on areas such as economic development, human security, and environmental sustainability. TICAD 9 was attended by representatives from over 50 African countries, as well as international organizations and development partners. The conference provided a platform for African leaders to engage in dialogue with their international counterparts, with the aim of strengthening partnerships and mobilizing support for Africa’s development agenda. One of the key outcomes of TICAD 9 was the adoption of the Tunis Declaration, which outlines a shared vision for African development and commits participants to work together to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The declaration also emphasizes the importance of promoting economic growth, reducing poverty, and addressing climate change. In addition to the Tunis Declaration, TICAD 9 resulted in the launch of several new initiatives and partnerships, including a $30 billion investment package aimed at supporting African infrastructure development. The conference also saw the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between African countries and international organizations, which are expected to facilitate cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and technology transfer. Despite the positive outcomes of TICAD 9, the conference was not without its challenges. Some critics argued that the event did not do enough to address the pressing issues facing Africa, such as poverty, inequality, and conflict. Others expressed concerns about the dominance of external partners in the TICAD process, which they argued could undermine African ownership and leadership. However, proponents of TICAD 9 argued that the conference provided a unique opportunity for African countries to engage with international partners and mobilize support for their development agendas. They also pointed out that the conference helped to promote a sense of community and solidarity among African countries, which is essential for addressing the continent’s common challenges. As the dust settles on TICAD 9, attention is now turning to the implementation of the conference’s outcomes and the follow-up actions that will be taken to ensure that the commitments made are fulfilled. This will require sustained effort and engagement from all stakeholders, including African governments, international organizations, and development partners. The success of TICAD 9 will ultimately be measured by its impact on the lives of African people, and its ability to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. In the coming months and years, it will be important to monitor progress and hold stakeholders accountable for their commitments. The TICAD process has come a long way since its inception, and TICAD 9 marked an important milestone in this journey. As Africa continues to evolve and grow, it is likely that the TICAD process will also need to adapt and respond to new challenges and opportunities. For now, the focus is on implementing the outcomes of TICAD 9 and ensuring that the conference’s vision for African development is realized. The conference’s emphasis on promoting economic growth, reducing poverty, and addressing climate change resonated with many of the attendees, who recognized the need for urgent action to address these pressing issues. The launch of new initiatives and partnerships, such as the $30 billion investment package, was also seen as a positive step towards supporting African development. However, some attendees expressed concerns about the lack of concrete commitments from international partners, which they argued could undermine the effectiveness of the TICAD process. Despite these challenges, the overall mood at TICAD 9 was one of optimism and hope, as attendees looked to the future and the possibilities that it holds. The conference’s focus on African ownership and leadership was also seen as a positive step, as it recognized the importance of empowering African countries to take charge of their own development. As the TICAD process continues to evolve, it will be important to build on the momentum generated by TICAD 9 and to ensure that the conference’s outcomes are implemented and sustained over time. This will require ongoing engagement and commitment from all stakeholders, as well as a willingness to adapt and respond to new challenges and opportunities. The road ahead will not be easy, but with the right mindset and approach, it is possible to achieve the vision for African development that was outlined at TICAD 9. The conference’s legacy will be measured by its impact on the lives of African people, and its ability to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. As such, it is essential that stakeholders remain committed to the TICAD process and work together to ensure that its outcomes are realized. The future of Africa depends on it, and the success of TICAD 9 is just the beginning. The conference has set the stage for a new era of cooperation and partnership between Africa and the international community, and it is now up to stakeholders to build on this momentum and create a brighter future for all. The TICAD process has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of African people, and its success will depend on the ability of stakeholders to work together and implement the conference’s outcomes. With the right approach and mindset, it is possible to achieve the vision for African development that was outlined at TICAD 9, and to create a more prosperous and equitable future for all.

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