The session was attended by the Prime Minister of Japan,
African heads of state and government, and leaders of international and African
organizations.
Discussions focused on key economic, social, and political
issues, including Africa’s current growth rates, the role of initiatives in
boosting investment, and strengthening cooperation between Japanese and African
companies. Delegates also addressed the need to enhance African countries’
capacity to manage debt and to improve access to quality social services such
as healthcare, education, electricity, and clean water.
The session further explored sustainable solutions to the
continent’s challenges, including cybersecurity threats, maritime piracy,
terrorism and violent extremism, and transnational organized crime.
At the conclusion, participants adopted the “Yokohama
Declaration,” outlining recommendations to deepen African-Japanese cooperation
in areas such as investment, trade, and regional economic integration. The
declaration also emphasized the importance of creating a favorable business
environment, facilitating intra-African trade, simplifying customs procedures,
and advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).