On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF), in collaboration with the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), will host an official side event of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) at Pacifico Yokohama.

In many African countries, agriculture and the blue economy are essential to sustaining local livelihoods and driving economic development. As the continent faces growing challenges such as climate change, geopolitical instability, and demographic shifts, these sectors are gaining increased global attention.

Under the theme "Building Sustainable, Resilient, and Inclusive Food Systems and Local Economies in Africa: Perspectives from the Blue Economy and Agriculture," this high-level session will bring together political leaders, policymakers, and practitioners to explore practical strategies and collaborative approaches. Special focus will be placed on empowering youth and women, strengthening institutional capacities, and fostering international cooperation.

Event Details
Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Time: 10:00–11:30 (Japan Standard Time)
Venue: Room 502, Conference Center, Pacifico Yokohama, Japan
Format: Live streaming
Languages: English, French, Japanese (simultaneous interpretation available)
Organized by: Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF)
In collaboration with: Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA)

Online Participation is free of charge, but it requires pre-registration.
Details of the Event  and registration:https://www.saa-safe.org/pastevents/ticad9-2025/en/spf-saa-ticad9/

Tentative Program Schedule

Opening Remarks
Dr. Atsushi Sunami, President, Sasakawa Peace Foundation

Guest Remarks
Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, Honorary Chairperson, The Nippon Foundation

Special Address
Representative from the Japanese Government (TBC)

Group Photo Session

High-Level Panel Discussion
Theme: Promoting a Sustainable Blue Economy and Agriculture in Africa: Strengthening Capacities and International Collaboration (TBC)

Moderator
Dr. Masanori Kobayashi, Senior Research Fellow, Sasakawa Peace Foundation

Speakers (TBC)
H.E. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya
H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana
H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa
H.E. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia
Representative from the Japanese Government

Topic Presentation
Towards Sustainable Growth Strategies for Food Security and Youth Empowerment
H.E. Amb. Moses Vilakati, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, African Union Commission (AUC)

Closing Remarks
Dr. Amit Roy, Chairperson, Sasakawa Africa Association

Event Details and Registration

Event Page