Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba Advocates Greater Africa-Indian Ocean Cooperation with New Investment and Infrastructure Initiatives
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has called for deeper cooperation between Africa and countries bordering the Indian Ocean, pledging increased investment and connectivity to drive economic growth.
Speaking at the Indian Ocean-Africa Economic Partnership Forum, held alongside the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), Ishiba highlighted the region’s young population, abundant natural resources, and high growth potential.
The forum, organized by Nikkei in partnership with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, brought together leaders and business executives to explore collaboration opportunities.
Ishiba emphasized that the Indian Ocean-Africa Economic Zone initiative would form a key pillar of Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy, aimed at promoting security, trade, and cooperation while balancing China’s influence.
“This initiative will strengthen inter-regional connectivity and create a free and fair economic zone,” Ishiba said, noting Japan’s commitment to supporting Africa’s regional integration and industrial development.
Japan will expand support for the Nacala Corridor, a logistics network connecting Zambia to the Mozambican port of Nacala, providing a faster route for copper and cobalt exports vital to global electrification efforts.
Japan’s “offer-type” model of overseas development assistance will allow Tokyo to proactively propose development projects, accelerating infrastructure and investment to enhance integration between Africa and Indian Ocean states.
Mozambican President Daniel Chapo welcomed Japan’s investment, emphasizing opportunities in railway and port modernization and improved maritime links connecting East Africa to Asia and the Middle East.
Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé urged that investments prioritize Africa’s long-term development, emphasizing local production, value addition, and youth employment rather than treating Africa as a raw material supplier.
Business Perspectives
Japanese business leaders underscored the region’s potential:
Toshimitsu Imai, President and CEO of Toyota Tsusho, described the Indian Ocean-Africa region as the “center of global growth”, citing its nearly four billion-strong population.
Toshinobu Shinoda of Mitsui OSK Lines noted the region’s rising importance as a logistics hub, with Dubai emerging as a key center for Indian Ocean trade.
The forum highlighted Japan’s vision of Africa and the Indian Ocean as central to global trade and growth, with investments designed to promote sustainable development and regional integration.
African leaders emphasized the need for partnerships that deliver shared economic benefits and job creation for the continent’s rapidly growing population.
