In preparation for the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), JCIE has launched an independent initiative to define the future direction of Africa-Japan partnership in the health sector toward and beyond 2030—the target year of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—and to propose a “Common Vision” for co-creating health security and sustainable growth that can be shared among public and private stakeholders in Africa and Japan.
On August 21, we will convene globally renowned leaders in health, science, policy, and business from Africa and Japan to introduce and deepen discussions on the Common Vision, and to deliver a compelling message focusing on health as a driver of economic growth and mutual benefit.
Africa is accelerating its efforts to enhance its self-reliance in alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 by engaging the private sector further particularly in the face of geopolitical crises and significant reductions in foreign assistance. Japan is trying to transform its health sector, including R&D and healthcare industry through leveraging international partnerships in light of its declining and aging population. This context offers a unique opportunity for Africa and Japan to engage high-level government leaders in redefining investment in health as a cornerstone of strengthening Africa-Japan collaboration for mutual benefit.
Learn more about the initiative
Seating is limited. Please use the link below to register.
Date and Time: August 21, 2025 (Thurs.), 10:00 am–11:30 am
Venue: Pacifico Yokohama, Exhibition Hall D (Access info)
Organizer: Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE)
Co-organizer: African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for African Development (AUDA-NEPAD)
Languages: Japanese, English, and French
(Note: This event is in person only, but a recording will be shared after the event.)

AGENDA
WELCOME
Satoko Itoh, Managing Director, Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE)
OPENING REMARKS
African and Japanese government officials (TBC)
KEY MESSAGES OF THE COMMON VISION
Members of the Working Group on Africa-Japan Common Vision (WG)
PANEL DISCUSSION
Moderator: Osamu Kunii, Chair, the WG; CEO & Executive Director, Global Health Innovation Fund (GHIT Fund)
Panelists:
William Kwabena Ampofo, Executive Director, African Vaccine Manufacturing Initiative
Fitsum Lakew Alemayehu, Liaison Manager to the African Union Commission (AUC), WACI Health; Coordinator, the African Civil Society Platform for Health (CiSPHA)
Salim S. Abdool Karim, Director, Center for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Magda Robalo, Co-chair, UHC2030 Steering Committee; President and Co-founder, Institute for Global Health and Development, Guinea-Bissau
Takuko Sawada, Director and Vice Chairperson of the Board, Shionogi & Co., Ltd.
Amit Thakker, Executive Chairman, Africa Health Business (TBC)
CLOSING REMARKS
Keizo Takemi, Senior Fellow, JCIE; former Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare (TBC)
Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO, AUDA-NEPAD (TBC)