Ugandan Vice President Alupo in Japan for TICAD Summit
JAPAN – YOKOHAMA:
Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, the Vice President of Uganda, arrived in the Japanese seaside city of Yokohama on Monday.
She joins other world leaders at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), which begins on Tuesday, 19th August 2025, at the Pacific Yokohama Convention Centre.
Alupo, representing President Yoweri Museveni, was received at Haneda International Airport by the Ugandan Ambassador to Japan, Tophace Kaahwa, former Japanese Ambassador to Uganda Fukuzawa Hidemoto, and other dignitaries.
This year, TICAD 9 is held under the theme “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa”, with Japan seeking to leverage its cutting-edge technologies and expertise to address Africa’s development challenges. The summit also emphasizes the value of combining these international solutions with home-grown African innovations.
Starting today, Vice President Alupo will hold several bilateral meetings with Japanese companies, the Japanese Business Federation, and the leadership of the Japanese Foundation. She is also scheduled to address the plenary session on “Economy.”
According to Shigeru Ishiba, Prime Minister of Japan, his country aims to work with Africa to strengthen inclusive and responsible global governance that ensures peace and prosperity for the international community. He said:
“Africa possesses abundant resources, a vibrant youthful population, and remarkable potential for innovation. At the same time, it faces significant challenges: poverty, conflict, unemployment, infectious diseases, and climate change. TICAD 9 will address these head-on by focusing on three key cross-cutting areas: peace and security, the economy, and society.”
Organized by a diverse group of stakeholders—including government, industry, academia, and civil society—the summit will feature over 200 seminars and symposiums, as well as approximately 300 booths and panel displays, all centered on specific thematic areas.
TICAD 9 is more than a conference; it is a dynamic platform for forging deeper partnerships, generating innovative solutions, and building a shared vision for a prosperous and sustainable future for Africa and the world.
The Japan-Africa partnership holds significance far beyond its impact on the continent. Since its inception in 1993, TICAD has remained a pioneering forum for African development, distinguished by its emphasis on “African Ownership” and “International Partnership.”
Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized that TICAD’s inclusiveness and openness to engaging a wide range of stakeholders—including international organizations, developing countries, businesses, academia, and NGOs—highlight its unique strengths. He stressed that by embracing this philosophy, Japan will remain a steadfast partner for Africa.
