The TICAD Ministerial Meeting was held via videoconference for about 2.5 hours from 8:00 p.m. on March 26 (Japan time) and for about 2.5 hours from 8:00 p.m. on March 27 (Japan time), with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi serving as chairman and Deputy Foreign Minister Takako Suzuki serving as acting chairman.
The Chairman's Summary was issued as a result of the meeting.
Minister Hayashi also used the occasion to hold bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers and other officials of seven African countries.

1. The meeting discussed priority issues in African development based on the three pillars of economic, social, and peace and stability in preparation for TICAD 8 in August of this year. The meeting was attended by 50 African countries (43 ministerial-level participants), co-sponsors (United Nations, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Bank and African Union Commission (AUC)), and the Japanese private sector.
2. Minister Hayashi stated that while the new corona will have a tremendous impact on African economies and societies, Japan will support the realization of Africa's development goals, Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with an emphasis on "people" and "quality of growth" based on the principle of human security. He also stated that he would support the realization of the Agenda 2063 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also stressed that Russia's recent aggression against Ukraine is a unilateral change of the status quo by force, an unacceptable violation of international law that shakes the very foundations of the international order, and that the international community must work together to deal with it. Minister Hayashi also stressed the importance of building a free and open international order based on rules under the vision of a "free and open Indo-Pacific," the importance of fairness and transparency in development finance, and the need for UN Security Council reform.
3. Mr. Suzuki mentioned that "protection" and "capacity building" as well as "solidarity" are required to realize human security, and stated that Japan will continue to support the overcoming of the new corona in Africa, as well as investment in "people" and assistance in the environmental field. He also stated that Japan will support Africa's efforts to consolidate democracy and promote the rule of law in order to realize sustainable peace and stability.
4. In response, African countries and others expressed their appreciation for Japan's contributions to African development through the TICAD process and their gratitude for Japan's support, including support for COVAX, provision of vaccines, and cold chain development. African countries also expressed concern about the situation in Ukraine and its impact, and mentioned the need for the international community to cooperate.
5. Japan and African countries confirmed that they will continue to work closely together toward the success of TICAD 8 in August this year.

Excellencies, Distinguished delegates, and

I am very pleased to host the TICAD Ministerial Meeting. I now declare the opening of the TICAD Ministerial Meeting. I would like to start by saying a few words on this occasion.

One of the biggest changes to hit Africa since TICAD 7 is COVID-19. The pandemic has brought some economic and social vulnerabilities to the forefront.

In addition, Russia's recent aggression against Ukraine is an unilateral change of the status quo by force and an act that shakes the very foundations of the international order. The issue at stake is not to choose which side to stand on. What is important is to defend the principles that the international community should stand on, such as the United Nations Charter prohibiting the threat or use of force and basic human rights. It also affects energy and food supply, and the African economy is no exception. Therefore, the international community needs to address the situation in a concerted manner to protect the life of African people. Therefore, the international community needs to address the situation in a concerted manner to protect the life of African people.

Japan has contributed to Africa's development including through TICAD, with its history of over a quarter of a century. Under the principle of human security, Japan will continue to support the realization of Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals, with an emphasis on "people" and "quality growth". Based on these thoughts, I would like to state three ideas.

Firstly, in order to build a resilient economy for build back better, Japan will support private companies' expansion into Africa. Today, we are joined by Mr. Iwai, Chairman of the Africa Project Team of Keizai Doyukai, who can share business perspective. We also recognize entry into force of the African Continental Free Trade Area as Africa's political will towards regional integration. We should capitalize on this momentum and use the power of the private sector as a driving force to set out a pathway for development in the post-COVID-era.

Secondly, based on the principle of human security, we will redouble our efforts, towards a sustainable and resilient society in the health sector where vulnerabilities have been exposed by the pandemic, with a view to achieving universal health coverage. In addition, we will commit to human resources development of those who will contribute to African development in the post-COVID-era as well. In addition, we will commit to human resources development of those who will contribute to African development in the post-COVID-era as well as to the resolution of pressing environmental issues.

Against this backdrop, Japan is determined to establish a free and open international order based on the rule of law under the vision of a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)". Against this backdrop, Japan is determined to establish a free and open international order based on the rule of law under the vision of a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP )". In cooperation with African countries, we will aim to realize peace and prosperity in the Asia-Africa region, and the world as a whole.

In today's "Economy" session, we will discuss measures to address economic disparities and achieve In order to achieve build back better and promote the SDGs, it is important to encourage more private investment, while leveraging digital and other means. In order to achieve build back better and promote the SDGs, it is important to encourage more private investment, while leveraging digital and other means.

Therefore, looking ahead to TICAD 8, Japan will propose specific measures to support solution-oriented businesses on social issues, with particular In addition, we will cooperate to expand "green" related businesses with a view to promoting In addition, we will cooperate to expand "green" related businesses with a view to promoting decarbonization as a new driving force for Africa's development.

It is also important to strengthen a free and open rule-based international economic system. In particular, it is urgent for us to address the development In particular, it is urgent for us to address the development of finance not adhering to international rules and standards including unfair and opaque lending practices.

For example, there are cases where the lending country influences the policy decisions of the borrowing country through forcing the borrowing country to receive a lump sum repayment on the reason of a policy change occurred in the For example, there are also cases where the lending country influences the policy decisions of the borrowing country through forcing the borrowing country to receive a lump sum repayment on the reason of a policy change occurred in the lending country that is disadvantageous to the lending country. There are also cases where the lending country acquires the long-term operating rights of the developed port in the event the borrowing country through forcing the borrowing country to accept in advance a contractual clause that enables the lending country to receive a lump sum repayment on the reason of a policy change occurred in the lending country. There are also cases where the lending country acquires the long-term operating rights of the developed port in the event that the debt cannot be repaid. We must not allow such financing practices to prevail and destabilize the developing economies most in need of financial We must not allow such financing practices to prevail and destabilize the developing economies most in need of financial resources.

Japan will work with international organizations to create an environment in which developing countries, especially those in Africa, do not have to rely Japan will work with international organizations to create an environment in which developing countries, especially those in Africa, do not have to rely on such financing, through capacity-building support in the area of debt management.

What measures do you think should be taken to pave the way for further growth of African economies?

Thank you for your attention.

Ministerial Meeting of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD)