News
August 20-21– Yokohama, Japan
The week of August 20-22 was a particularly engaging one with numerous activities unfolding at the TICAD 9 Conference in Yokohama, Japan. Over the three days, I had the opportunity to attend several significant events, each reaffirming the strong commitment of Japan and Africa to deepen cooperation and jointly navigate new frontiers of development.
High-Level Engagements
Presidents, Heads of Government, and business leaders presented their visions and priorities, each seeking to attract investment and partnerships. My own President, H.E. Dr. William Ruto, made a compelling case for Kenya’s readiness to collaborate with Japan, highlighting opportunities where Japanese capital, technology, and expertise can be mutually beneficial.
Exhibitions and Participation Dynamics
As anticipated, there was a clear imbalance in representation between Japanese and African exhibitors. Japanese booths and side events were predominantly driven by the private sector, while the African Lounge was largely represented by public agencies and parastatals. This difference reflects the varied economic dynamics and drivers on both sides, offering important lessons for how Africa can further empower and mobilize its private sector actors in future TICAD engagements.
Role of the African Diaspora
One of the most encouraging aspects of TICAD 9 was the vibrancy of the African diaspora in Japan. Diaspora-led exhibitions and thematic side events were active throughout the conference, demonstrating strong enthusiasm and commitment to forging connections between Japan and Africa. The diaspora’s unique positioning – with cultural proximity and a practical understanding of both contexts – offers immense potential to serve as a bridge, creating sustainable linkages that can extend well beyond the TICAD framework.
Kenya’s Leadership in Labor Mobility
The Kenyan community in Japan has already taken a leadership role in advancing labor mobility between the two countries. Through the Kenyans in Japan Association (KIJA), we are contributing solutions to Japan’s human resource challenges while ensuring that Kenyan workers are supported in integration, retention, and long-term success.
At the Thematic Side Event co-organized with the Department of Diaspora Affairs, the Embassy of Kenya, and Japanese private sector partners, discussions centered on what it will take to build sustainable labor mobility. A key takeaway was the urgent need for a formal Labor Mobility Agreement between Kenya and Japan to provide a structured framework for this growing collaboration.
Looking Ahead
Africa and Japan now stand at a crossroads: either to wait or to seize the opportunities presented by frameworks such as TICAD to jointly lead in shaping the new economic frontier. With strong political will, private sector dynamism, and diaspora engagement, TICAD 9 has shown that the foundation for a deeper, mutually beneficial partnership is firmly in place.
KIJA and LaMP launch a pilot program to connect Kenyan workers with jobs in Japan, offering training, settlement, and integration support.
Student session with prominent Kenyan scholars and professionals living in Japan, gaining practical insights into how Japanese expertise can be adapted to drive development and solve real-world challenges in Kenya.