TICAD 9 is the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development, which began on Thursday, 22nd August in Yokohama, Japan.
The conference holds substantial value as a diplomatic platform aimed at reinforcing Japan–Africa relations through multilateral cooperation, strategic investments, and inclusive development.
It serves as a critical co-creation mechanism bringing together governments, multilateral institutions (like the UN, World Bank, and African Union), private sectors, and civil society to advance sustainable development through innovation, industrial partnerships, and technology transfer. The Ninth conference had 49 countries in attendance.
African Leaders At TICAD 9
Japan hosted African leaders at that three-day development conference, offering itself as an alternative to China as the continent reels from a debt crisis exacerbated by Western aid cuts, conflict, and climate change.
Attendees at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) included Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, William Ruto of Kenya, and UN head Antonio Guterres.
“The debt and liquidity crisis on the African continent is worsening the challenging socio-economic environment and constraining the fiscal space for governments to cast a safety net over its citizens,” Ramaphosa’s office said in a statement.
China has invested heavily in Africa over the past decade, with its companies there signing deals worth hundreds of billions of dollars to finance shipping ports, railways, roads, and other projects under Beijing’s Belt and Road global infrastructure initiative.
The Outcome of the Conference in Japan
Nigeria’s booth was notably unmanned on the first day, leading to several criticisms.
In response to backlash, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the booth had not been “opened” by design on Day 1, as it was scheduled for inauguration on the following day. Officials emphasized that Nigeria’s delegation was prioritizing substantive bilateral and multilateral engagements, including investment forums and high-level negotiations, rather than focusing on the exhibition.
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga added that Nigeria’s participation is being channeled through strategic discussions in power, industry, agriculture, and other sectors, not to “attend any Trade Expo” per se.
At the moment, Nigeria is yet to close significant deals from attending the conference.
What It Would Mean for Nigeria’s Economy
Nigeria would have gained significantly from active participation in TICAD 9, but its weak presence meant lost opportunities.
The summit focused on boosting Japanese investment in Africa through infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy projects, areas that align with Nigeria’s push to diversify its economy beyond oil.
It also emphasized trade integration between Africa and the Indo-Pacific, which could have positioned Nigeria as a regional hub for Japanese businesses and a key player in the African Continental Free Trade Area.
In past editions of TICAD, countries secured billions in aid, soft loans, and development financing. Nigeria could have tapped into similar concessions for infrastructure, healthcare, education, and climate resilience projects.
The summit also spotlighted collaboration with African startups, creating potential openings for Nigerian SMEs and fintech innovators to attract Japanese venture capital and expertise.
Beyond economics, engaging fully would have strengthened Nigeria’s geopolitical standing by building stronger ties with Japan and balancing its relationships with China and the West.
Public And Social Media Reaction
Social media exploded with criticism. Idris Bello’s post on X triggered widespread disapproval, with users lamenting that a country sending a presidential delegation could not staff its booth.
His tweet read: “I hate to show negative things about Nigeria, but it is sad that Nigeria is the only unmanned booth at TICAD9 in Japan. Upon all the folks who probably got estacode for coming to Japan
Only God knows how many Japanese folks have asked me about the unmanned booth seeing my dressing.
So ashamed I have now designated myself as Honorary Consul and taken over the booth to engage visitors.”
His remarks amplified frustrations, and voices like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar called the incident an “ongoing show of shame,” characterizing it as emblematic of poor governance.
ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi also criticized the lack of follow-up and preparation.
Government Response
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the booth was intended to be inaugurated on Day 2, not Day 1, and the delay was procedural, not negligent.
Nigeria’s Presidency rebuffed claims that the unmanned booth signified poor representation, emphasizing that the delegation was focused on substantial outcomes across sectors, with coordinated engagements spearheaded by key officials and institutions.
While Nigeria’s physical presence at TICAD 9 initially appeared lacking, official explanations pointed to a strategic, high-level engagement approach rather than an exhibition-focused one. Whether this pragmatic focus will salvage Nigeria’s image depends on how effectively these engagements translate into investment, partnerships, and tangible outcomes post-conference.
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