What is
TICAD?
TICAD stands for Tokyo International Conference on African Development. The government of Japan has been leading this conference since 1993, co-organized by UN-Office of Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), The World Bank Group and African Union Commission (AUC).
The launch of TICAD was catalytic for refocusing international attention on Africa’s development needs. In the course of nearly 30 years, TICAD has evolved into a major global and open and multilateral forum for mobilizing and sustaining international support for Africa’s development under the principles of African “ownership” and international “partnership.”
Video Source: YouTube © MOFA Japan
TICAD I | Tokyo
At the first conference (TICAD I), the co-organizers vowed to reverse the decline in development assistance for Africa that had followed the end of the Cold War. Participants adopted the Tokyo Declaration on African Development, committing to the pursuit of political and economic reforms in Africa, increased private sector development, regional cooperation and integration, and the harnessing of Asian experience for the benefit of African development.
TICAD II | Tokyo
The second conference (TICAD II) addressed Africa’s development challenges with poverty reduction and the integration of Africa into the global economy as a primary theme. The Tokyo Agenda for Action (TAA) outlined a framework of cooperation in the TICAD process identifying shared goals, objectives and guidelines for actions to be taken by Africa and its partners. TICAD II also advocated the dual principles of TICAD: the ownership of Africa and the partnership of the international community.
TICAD III | Tokyo
The third conference (TICAD III) made an explicit commitment for the TICAD Initiative to support the African Union’s New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), which is a blueprint for Africa’s peace and socio-economic growth and development. The TICAD 10th Anniversary Declaration, an outcome statement that renewed the commitment of leaders for African development, was adopted at the conference, placing special emphasis on the concept of human security.
TICAD IV | Yokohama
TICAD IV addressed the following three priority areas: 1) Boosting economic growth; 2) Ensuring “human security,” including the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the consolidation of peace and good governance; and 3) Addressing environmental issues and climate change. TICAD IV was attended by approximately 3,000 delegates, including 41 African heads of state. The Yokohama Declaration, political commitment towards African development, was adopted.
TICAD V | Yokohama
The fifth conference (TICAD V) was held in Yokohama, Japan, on June 1-3, 2013. TICAD V also commemorated the 20th anniversary of the TICAD process and the 50th anniversary of the Organization of African Unity, the predecessor of the African Union. “Hand in Hand with a More Dynamic Africa” was the overarching theme for TICAD V. The discussions were based on the three interrelated themes of “Robust and Sustainable Economy,” “Inclusive and Resilient Society” and “Peace and Stability.”
TICAD VI | Nairobi
TICAD VI was the first TICAD meeting to be held on the African continent, in Nairobi, Kenya. It was also the first TICAD since it was decided that TICAD be held once in 3 years. It was attended by 11,000 people including business persons from about 200 Japanese companies. The discussions were based on “Promoting structural economic transformation through economic diversification and industrialization”, “Promoting resilient health systems for quality of life” and “Promoting social stability for shared prosperity”.
TICAD VII | Yokohama
TICAD7 was held on 28th - 30th August, 2019 at Pacifico Yokohama, Yokohama city, Japan, with more than 10,000 people, including 42 African leaders from 53 African countries, 52 development partner countries, 108 heads of international and regional organizations, and representatives of civil society and the private sector.