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Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) Moussa Faki Mahamat emphasised the need to strengthen and improve cooperation between Japan and African countries which are facing several challenges related to climate change, health, youth unemployment and food security.

Speaking at the opening of the 8th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD8) on Saturday, he recalled that Japan has announced $30 billion in funding to Africa.

"Cooperation between Japan and African countries remains crucial, especially since Japan has, in recent years, granted $500 million for infrastructure and development of grain production in African countries," he said.

Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group Amina J. Mohammed stressed the importance of Japanese technical cooperation with African countries, which will enable these countries to achieve food self-sufficiency.

While recalling the wealth of the African continent in terms of human and natural resources, Mohamed reaffirmed the importance of investing in youth and women through financing and empowerment programmes.

Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme Achim Steiner, for his part, called to reflect on joint modes of investment between Japan and the United Nations in order to accompany and support the sustainable development of African countries in various sectors, particularly health, agriculture, renewable energy and digital technology.