TICAD8
Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) is a Summit-level international conference on Africa’s development initiated by Japan, in 1993.
The first Conference (TICAD I) was held by the Government of Japan. Since then, TICAD is co-hosted by the Government of Japan, United Nations, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Bank and African Union Commission (AUC).
TICAD is an open and inclusive forum that brings together African countries and development partners, including international and regional organizations, donor countries, Asian countries, the private sector and civil society organizations, dealing with African development.
TICAD promotes “African ownership” and international partnership. It also promotes South-South cooperation and triangular cooperation within the framework of national and regional development Programmes.
TICAD promotes human security and people-centered development, while aligning with Africa’s own agenda.
TICAD has established a three tier follow-up mechanism (Joint Secretariat, Joint Monitoring Committee and Follow up Meetings).
TICAD meetings were held in Japan every five years till 2013. Since then, the Summits were convened every three years.
The first Summits were essentially Government-to- Government (G2G) meetings. Discussions focused on many issues such as development, governance, strategies, policies as well as partnerships in economic, social and security fields.
TICAD VII took place on 28 th - 30 th August, 2019 in Yokohama city with the participation of more than 10,000 participants, 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.
The First Conference (TICAD I) vowed to reverse the decline in development assistance for Africa that had followed the end of the Cold War.
The Second Conference (TICAD II) addressed Africa’s development challenges with poverty reduction and the integration of Africa into the global economy as a main theme.
The Third Conference (TICAD III) made an explicit commitment to support the African Union’s New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) as well as Africa’s socio-economic development and growth.
The Fourth Conference (TICAD IV) focused on three priorities: economic growth; “human security” and environmental issues, in particular climate change.
The Fifth Conference (TICAD V) commemorated the 20th anniversary of the TICAD forum and the 50th anniversary of the Organization of African Unity/African Union.
The Sixth TICAD VI Conference is the first conference held in the African Continent, in Nairobi, Kenya. It is also the first to be held after the decision to organize TICAD every three years.
The Seventh Conference (TICAD VII) recognized for the first time, private sector as official partner of the Conference.