JAPAN-AFRICA FORUM : Ivory Coast to host the 2024 edition
[abelainfo] - Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Ivory Coast, and Kamikawa Yoko, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, have agreed to host the Japan-Africa Public-Private Economic Forum in Abidjan in December this year. Ivory Coast’s attractiveness to investors has been a key factor in the decision.
During a meeting with Kamikawa Yoko, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, in Abidjan-Cocody yesterday, President Alassane Ouattara and his guest agreed to organize the Japan-Africa Public-Private Economic Forum in Abidjan in December 2024.
Alassane Ouattara expressed his delight at this decision, stating that Ivory Coast is an attractive destination. He expressed his honor at being the first stop on the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs’ visit to Sub-Saharan Africa. He also highlighted the trusted relationship between Japan and Ivory Coast since 1966.
The President recalled that Ivory Coast has received significant investments from the Japanese government, particularly in the infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and social sectors. He specifically mentioned the upcoming inauguration of the Ivoirian-Japanese Shinzo Abe Friendship Interchange next year.
Alassane Ouattara also welcomed the growth in trade between Japan and Ivory Coast, with the presence of around twenty Japanese companies in the country. He emphasized the expected acceleration of Toyota vehicle assembly in Ivory Coast.
The President reiterated Ivory Coast’s participation in previous editions of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) and confirmed the country’s presence at the 9th edition scheduled for August 2025 in Yokohama, Japan.
For her part, Kamikawa Yoko expressed her satisfaction with the progress of the Ivoirian-Japanese interchange and the development of the Autonomous Port of Abidjan according to the established schedule. She highlighted that Japan considers Ivory Coast as a gateway to expand its presence in the Francophone West Africa region due to its stable and favorable business environment and high economic growth rate.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of political and economic stability in Ivory Coast for peace and regional stability in Africa, and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to working closely with Ivory Coast to promote common values such as the rule of law and democracy. She concluded by stating that during TICAD 9, both countries will strengthen their bilateral cooperation and contribute to African and global challenges.
Raphael Mforlem
