Japan has pledged $5.5 billion in concessional loans to African countries during the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), held in Yokohama from August 20 to 22. The announcement was made in the presence of more than two dozen African leaders, signaling Japan’s growing role in Africa’s economic development.
The financing package will be delivered under the Enhanced Private Sector Assistance (EPSA 6) initiative, a partnership between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB). Running from 2026 to 2028, EPSA 6 is designed to support key sectors such as energy, agriculture, healthcare, digitalization, and infrastructure.
Beyond financial aid, Japan also unveiled plans to train 30,000 AI specialists across Africa within three years, part of a wider effort to boost digital transformation and job creation. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba further proposed the creation of a new economic zone connecting the Indian Ocean and Africa, aimed at expanding trade and investment opportunities through Japan’s existing networks in India and the Middle East.
In addition, Japan signed agreements with Kenya for a yen-denominated loan, supported by Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI). This loan will help strengthen Kenya’s automotive and energy sectors, underscoring Japan’s interest in deepening bilateral economic ties.
Japan’s latest commitments highlight a shift toward providing low-cost, sustainable financing, offering an alternative to traditional aid cuts from Western nations and high-interest loans from China. By combining infrastructure investment, technology transfer, and private sector support, Tokyo is positioning itself as a long-term development partner for Africa.
