Japan has reaffirmed its commitment to African development with the announcement of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).

Launched in 1993, TICAD remains a leading platform for international dialogue and cooperation on African development, co-organised by Japan alongside the United Nations, UNDP, the World Bank, and the African Union Commission (AUC).

TICAD 9 will be held from Wednesday, August 20, to Friday, August 22, 2025, in Yokohama, Japan.

The conference will focus on co-creating practical solutions to pressing global and regional challenges, with a renewed emphasis on inclusive and responsible global governance. The summit aims to strengthen ties between Africa and the international community, recognising the continent’s rising influence in global affairs.

Meanwhile, in Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria, in a bid to enhance Japan-Nigeria bilateral cooperation, Japan has handed over the Elixir High-Tech Water Production Device to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC). The equipment, funded through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), also includes advanced laboratory instruments.

The handover ceremony was attended by Ambassador-Designate of Japan to Nigeria, Mr. Suzuki Hideo, along with prominent representatives from Nigeria’s health sector and local government. Dignitaries included Dr. Salahudeen Jimoh from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, a representative of the Emir of Keffi, Alhaji Ibrahim Danladi, and Chief Medical Director of FMC Keffi, Dr. Yahaya Baba Adamu.

Ambassador Hideo emphasised the importance of the project in strengthening health infrastructure, noting that the Atmospheric Water-Generated Elixir Device provides a sustainable solution to water challenges in healthcare facilities. He encouraged FMC Keffi to fully utilise the technology to enhance patient care and boost operational efficiency.