Kishida Eyes Bigger Role For Japan In Africa
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio plans to set out a bigger push for growth in Africa at a Tokyo-led international conference later this month.
Kishida will attend the 8th Tokyo International Conference on African Development, or TICAD, on August 27 and 28 in Tunisia. Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa will also attend.
The prime minister's plans appear to have China in mind. Beijing has in recent years been increasing its influence in Africa.
Kishida will likely announce a public- and private-sector investment drive to promote renewable energy.
Japan is also expected to provide official development assistance to promote human resources development in agriculture and other industries. Support for tackling healthcare issues such as infectious diseases will also be provided.
Participants at the conference are likely to discuss ways of boosting Africa's agricultural capacity amid the global food crisis.
Other topics are expected to include ways of improving cooperation in the healthcare industry, and measures against the coronavirus.
The delegates will likely end the conference with a declaration.
Kishida will then visit Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. He is expected to call for increased crude oil production to help curb soaring energy prices.