*This article is part of a series of publications as part of our trip to Japan on the occasion of the Ticad 9
Tokyo’s ninth international conference on Africa’s development (Ticad 9) opens this Wednesday, August 20, 2025, in Yokohama. Three years after welcoming Ticad 8 in Tunis, Tunisia must capitalize on this dynamic to strengthen its cooperation with Japan and attract new investments.
The Ticad, launched in 1993 by Japan in partnership with the United Nations, the World Bank and the African Union, is one of the major meetings of the political and economic dialogue between Japan and the African continent. The conference, organized this year in Pacifico Yokohama from August 20 to 22, emphasizes sustainable growth, innovation, the fight against climate change and economic resilience.
After being under the spotlight in 2022 during Ticad 8 in Tunis, Tunisia continues to surf this momentum. Among the events parallel to Yokohama is the seminar “Discover Tunisia – Next Generation Business Challenges and Opportunities”organized with the participation of the FIPA (Tunisian agency for the promotion of investment). This meeting intends to highlight the Tunisian potential in innovation, urban solutions and partnerships with youth.
This targeted presence confirms Tunis’ desire to stay in the radar of Japanese investors, while the country seeks to diversify its partnerships and strengthen its role of hub between the Mediterranean and Africa.
Economic and technological cooperation
Tunisia particularly relies on cooperation with Japan in strategic sectors such as digital technologies, energy transition and sustainable infrastructure. The JICA (Japanese International Cooperation Agency), already active in Tunisia, should play a reinforced role in the implementation of joint projects.
In addition, the discussions planned in Yokohama on the energy transition and adaptation to climate change resonate directly with Tunisian priorities, in particular the reduction of energy dependence and the promotion of renewable energies.
Another strong issue in this Ticad 9 is the networking of young African and Japanese leaders. Tunisia, rich in qualified human capital, sees it as the opportunity to develop joint programs in training, research and entrepreneurship. This dynamic could promote the emergence of new generations of decision -makers and innovators on both sides.
A post-ticad 8 springboard
By welcoming Ticad 8 in Tunis, Tunisia has gained visibility on the international scene. Today, in Yokohama, she seeks to transform this visibility into concrete opportunities: direct investments, technology cooperation and educational partnerships.
The continuity between Tunis and Yokohama illustrates the Tunisian strategy of positioning itself as an essential actor in Africa -Japan exchanges, while strengthening its own economic transition.
The Ticad 9, which is held in Yokohama, highlights several strategic issues: strengthening the Africa – Japon partnership through investments in sustainable infrastructure, energy and digital, supporting the transition to a decarbonized economy and innovative climatic solutions, promoting human peace and security, while involving youth and innovation. The program provides thematic climate sessions, sustainable cities and foodof the Workshops on technological and economic cooperationas well as events dedicated to youth and entrepreneurshipincluding the “Discover Tunisia” seminar which highlights Tunisian opportunities.
