President Bola Tinubu commenced his two-nation diplomatic mission with a touchdown in Tokyo, where he will take part in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).
Nigeria Air Force 1, carrying the President, landed at Haneda International Airport around 12:55am local time, where he was warmly received by Hideo Matsubara, Japan’s Ambassador in charge of TICAD. This trip marks Tinubu’s first official visit to Japan since assuming office on May 29, 2023.
In Yokohama, the President is expected to position Nigeria as a premier investment hub, engaging with Japanese business leaders already active in the country’s economy and those exploring new opportunities across diverse sectors.
Themed “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa,” TICAD9 will feature plenary sessions, bilateral talks with world leaders, and strategic meetings with Japanese executives. Tinubu’s participation underscores Nigeria’s determination to deepen ties with Japan, tap into advanced technologies, and foster collaborative development initiatives.
As Japan’s flagship diplomatic and economic platform with Africa, TICAD emphasizes African-led growth and shared international partnerships. Its goals align with Tinubu’s broader agenda to accelerate regional integration, human capital development, and industrialisation while attracting new streams of foreign investment.
The conference also provides an avenue to reinforce peace, stability, and human security while promoting resilient and sustainable African societies. Key discussions will revolve around economic transformation, private-sector investment, and institutional reforms across Africa and Asia.
Since its inception in 1993, TICAD has been co-hosted by the Japanese government alongside the United Nations, UNDP, World Bank, and African Union Commission. The triennial summit alternates between Japan and Africa, setting the tone for Japan-Africa relations.
This year’s edition, scheduled for August 20–22, 2025, in Yokohama, follows the 2022 summit in Tunisia. It will bring together African heads of state, multinational executives, development partners, and civil society leaders to co-design strategies for economic growth, social development, and long-term peace on the continent.
