Japan Reaffirms Commitment to Africa’s Sustainable Development in High-Level AUDA-NEPAD Talks
On 28 January, Japan’s Ambassador to South Africa, Fumio Shimizu, met with Ms Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO of the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD), alongside Mr Tanaka, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The meeting took place during the AUDA-NEPAD–JICA Annual Consultation Conference, held from 26–28 January in Pretoria.
The discussions highlighted the enduring partnership between Japan and AUDA-NEPAD, which has evolved since early collaborations in 2004 and a formal memorandum in 2014. This year’s cycle (2026–2028) shifts toward a multi-sector integrated framework to scale impact across Africa, building on mutual respect and African ownership.
Ambassador Shimizu emphasized Japan’s unwavering commitment to Africa’s development, expressing optimism for continued cooperation to advance sustainable growth and prosperity. The partnership aims to support systemic delivery aligned with Africa’s priorities, contributing to a brighter continental future amid global challenges.
