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The Tunis declaration issued on Sunday at the end of the 8th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-8) set three pillars of cooperation; namely achieving structural transformation for sustainable economic growth and social development, laying the foundations for a resilient and sustainable society as well as ensuring sustainable peace and stability.

The declaration was issued by Heads of State and Government, of African Union Member States and the delegations of Japan together with representatives of TICAD co-organisers, namely the United Nations, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank and the African Union Commission (AUC) met in Tunis, the Republic of Tunisia, on August 27–28, 2022, for the Eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 8).

The document emphasised the urgency and importance of integration, solidarity and “investment in people” which will enhance the significant potential of Africa as a driving force of global growth.

“As the global community witnessed the human security crisis caused by the pandemic, the concept of human security needs to be upheld more than ever. The pandemic has reminded us of the value of “people” on which the TICAD process attaches great importance,” participants underlined at the end of their works in Tunis on August 27-28.

All parties that participated in the works of the TICAD 8 expressed commitment to continue promoting Africa’s development by advocating for international cooperation under the guiding principles of African ownership, international partnership, inclusivity and openness.

The declaration also stressed that “the role of TICAD will evolve as Africa strives to realize its development aspirations envisioned in Agenda 2063 and to build resilient economies that attract further private investment and as the international community increasingly focuses on Africa’s growth potential and needs.

For the participants in TICAD 8, the COVID-19 pandemic has had unprecedented economic, political, environmental and social impacts globally. The pandemic highlighted the urgency and importance of integration, solidarity and “investment in people” which will enhance the significant potential of Africa as a driving force of global growth.

As the global community witnessed the human security crisis caused by the pandemic, the concept of human security needs to be upheld more than ever. The pandemic has reminded us of the value of “people” on which the TICAD process attaches great importance.

The participants renew “their commitment to work together to maintain international peace and stability based on the principle that the centrepiece of the international order is international law, including the UN Charter, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries”. They also emphasize that all countries must seek peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law.”

The Tunis Declaration reaffirms the importance of partnership between Japan and Africa to encourage investment, promote innovation from the private sector through encouraging collaboration between Japanese and African companies and technology transfer.

The Declaration also put emphasis on the need to strengthen industrial human resources development, in order to accelerate structural transformation for inclusive and sustainable growth in Africa and its efforts in achieving the Agenda 2063 and the SDGs, whilst overcoming challenges such as soaring food and energy prices. The document reaffirms the commitment of all parties to collaborate with African countries in building a resilient and sustainable society in Africa to be characterized by human security and attainment of AU Agenda 2063 and the SDGs.

“We appreciate the steady implementation of the Yokohama Plan of Actions 2019 (YPA) and we are committed to continue updating in an inclusive manner YPA by reframing it to TICAD 8 Tunis Plan of Actions. We reaffirm that initiatives and actions under TICAD Plan of Actions will be aligned with African and international frameworks such as AU Agenda 2063 and the SDGs,” the participants underlined, adding that TICAD 9 will be hosted by Japan in 2025 and the TICAD ministerial meeting will be held in 2024.