Japan’s PM Shigeru Ishiba Calls for Deeper Africa–Indian Ocean Cooperation with New Investments
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has urged closer cooperation between Africa and Indian Ocean states, pledging greater investment and improved connectivity to stimulate 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 vast growth potential.
The forum, organized by Nikkei in collaboration with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, brought together government leaders and business executives to explore new avenues of collaboration.
Ishiba emphasized that the Indian Ocean–Africa Economic Zone initiative would become a cornerstone of Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy—an approach aimed at promoting security, trade, and cooperation while offering a counterbalance to China’s growing influence in the region.
He stated that the initiative would “strengthen inter-regional connectivity and create a free and fair economic zone,” while also supporting Africa’s industrialization and regional integration.
A key element of Japan’s plans is the expansion of support for the Nacala Corridor, a major logistics route linking Zambia to the Mozambican port of Nacala.
Since 2012, Tokyo has invested in the project, which provides a shorter, more efficient shipping route for Zambia’s copper and cobalt exports—minerals essential for the global shift toward electrification.
Currently, much of Zambia’s mineral output is exported through Atlantic ports in Angola, but the Nacala route offers Japan and regional partners a strategically valuable alternative.
Ishiba announced that Japan would adopt an “offer-type” model of overseas development assistance, proactively proposing projects rather than waiting for partner governments to request them.
This approach, he argued, would enable faster delivery of infrastructure, logistics, and investment projects that strengthen integration and economic ties across the Indian Ocean–Africa region.
African leaders welcomed Japan’s engagement but also stressed the importance of long-term development goals.
Mozambican President Daniel Chapo praised Japan’s commitment and highlighted investment opportunities in railway modernization, port upgrades, and maritime transport.
He noted that stronger logistics would help connect East Africa to the Middle East and Asia.
Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé, however, urged caution, stressing that Africa must avoid becoming merely a supplier of raw materials or transit zone. He emphasized the need for local production, value-added industries, and youth employment.
Business Leaders See Global Growth Potential
Japanese business executives echoed Ishiba’s optimism.
Toshimitsu Imai, President & CEO of Toyota Tsusho, said the Indian Ocean–Africa region could become the “center of global growth” with its nearly four billion people.
Toshinobu Shinoda of Mitsui OSK Lines added that while Indian Ocean trade has historically been overshadowed by East–West routes, it is now emerging as a major hub, with Dubai already serving as a key logistics center.
The forum underscored Japan’s belief that Africa and the Indian Ocean region are central to the future of global trade and growth.
With promises of new investments, infrastructure projects, and stronger partnerships, Tokyo is positioning itself as a long-term ally in Africa’s integration into the global economy—while African leaders continue to press for partnerships that deliver shared, sustainable development.
