Japan Proposes Economic Zone Linking Indian Ocean to Africa to Boost Regional Growth
Yokohama, Japan — In a major initiative unveiled at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) on August 20, 2025, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba proposed creating a new “Economic Region Initiative of Indian Ocean-Africa.” The plan aims to form a dynamic economic zone that links countries across the Indian Ocean region—including India and Middle Eastern nations—with Africa to accelerate regional integration and industrial development.
The initiative reflects Japan’s vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific and seeks to strengthen partnerships not only with African nations but also with countries in the broader Global South. It is designed to foster collaboration between governments, private sectors, and academia, promoting free trade and encouraging Japanese investments to expand throughout the region.
Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized that the initiative would support Africa’s regional growth by enhancing connectivity, developing supply chains, and leveraging Japan’s technological expertise, particularly in digital innovation. Japan has committed to training 30,000 artificial intelligence experts in Africa over the next three years and expanding educational programs in manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics.
To ensure sustainable development, Japan plans to coordinate loans of up to $5.5 billion with the African Development Bank, focusing on infrastructure and industry. The initiative also supports the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to boost competitiveness by removing tariffs and harmonizing regulations.
This proposal comes at a time when Africa’s economic potential is attracting global interest amid competition from China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Japan hopes its sustained commitment through TICAD will deepen economic relations and contribute to long-term prosperity in the African and Indian Ocean regions.
Representatives from nearly 50 African countries are attending the TICAD conference, with discussions centering on peace, stability, economic development, and social challenges such as health and climate change.
Japan’s ongoing focus on Africa includes bilateral cooperation, infrastructure support, healthcare, and fostering human resource development as part of a comprehensive strategy to build a resilient and prosperous region.