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 convened 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.
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 was in person only, but a recording will be shared after the event.)
AGENDA
WELCOME
Ms. Satoko Itoh, Managing Director, Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE)
OPENING REMARKS
H.E. Aden Bare Duale, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Republic of Kenya
Toshiko Abe, Member, House of Representatives, Japan
KEY MESSAGES OF THE COMMON VISION
Dr. Olukunmi Omobolanle Balogun, Co-lead Author, Working Group on Africa-Japan Common Vision (WG); Junior Associate Professor, St. Luke’s International University Graduate School of Public Health
PANEL DISCUSSION
Moderator: Dr. Osamu Kunii, Chair, the WG; CEO & Executive Director, Global Health Innovation Fund (GHIT Fund)
Panelists:
Dr. 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
Prof. William Kwabena Ampofo, Executive Director, African Vaccine Manufacturing Initiative
Mr. Fitsum Lakew Alemayehu, Liaison Manager to the African Union Commission (AUC), WACI Health; Coordinator, the African Civil Society Platform for Health (CiSPHA)
Dr. Magda Robalo, Co-chair, UHC2030 Steering Committee; President and Co-founder, Institute for Global Health and Development, Guinea-Bissau
Ms. Takuko Sawada, Director and Vice Chairperson of the Board, Shionogi & Co., Ltd.
Dr. Amit Thakker, Executive Chairman, Africa Health Business
CLOSING REMARKS
Prof. Keizo Takemi, Senior Fellow, JCIE; former Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan
Ms. Chimwemwe Chamdimba, Head, African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization Initiative, African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD)
