The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will join African, Japanese and UN leaders at TICAD9, taking place from 20 to 22 August in Yokohama, to accelerate a shared development agenda centered on innovation, youth, sustainable finance, and peacebuilding. As a co-organizer of the conference, UNDP will drive high-level discussions, announce new partnerships, and spotlight initiatives that are scaling impact across Africa. 

Led by Acting Administrator Haoliang Xu and UNDP Africa Director Ahunna Eziakonwa, the delegation will engage alongside more than 10,000 participants, including Heads of State, the Prime Minister of Japan, business leaders, development partners, youth, and civil society organizations. 

Held at a time of growing urgency around climate action, economic transformation, and peacebuilding, TICAD9 provides a critical platform to advance partnerships between Africa and Japan. 

As a longstanding partner in the TICAD process, UNDP brings to TICAD9 a bold proposition rooted in inclusive development, resilience, and innovation. With a strong footprint across Africa and deep partnerships with governments, civil society, and the private sector, UNDP’s role is catalytic in transforming shared aspirations into action. By convening multisectoral dialogues, launching high-impact partnerships, and showcasing African innovation, UNDP aims at co-creating a more just, secure, and sustainable future. 

UNDP Highlights at TICAD9 

High-Level Plenary Engagement 

UNDP will participate in the high-level sessions alongside Heads of State, Ministers and other UN leaders to highlight its commitment to inclusive growth, regional integration, peacebuilding, and development finance. Key speakers include: 

• UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres 

• UN Under-Secretary-General and UNDP Acting Administrator, Haoliang Xu

• UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Africa, Ahunna Eziakonwa 

UNDP Thematic Side Events 

Wed. 20 August, 10 am - TICAD Youth Forum, Pacifico Yokohama, Exhibition Hall D 

Youth-led dialogues on people-to-people exchange, entrepreneurship, and future cooperation 

• 10:00-11:20 Model African Union Japan: Inayojumuisha: Youth Co-creation, Shaping Africa's Future  

https://www.undp.org/africa/events/youth-forum-part-1-model-african-union-ga 

• 12:00-13:20 Youth Drive: Bridging Policy with Action through Co-creation 

https://www.undp.org/africa/events/youth-forum-part-2-youth-drive 

• 13:30-16:00 Youth Igniting a Growth Revolution: Creativity and Entrepreneurship 

https://www.undp.org/africa/events/youth-forum-part-3-entrepreneurship-creatives 

Wed 20 August, 10:00-11:30 am - The future of health technology innovation and equity, Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Hall D 

HOME - The future of health technology innovation and equity 

Advancing health system resilience and inclusive recovery across the continent.  

Wed 20 August, 10.30 am – 12.00 pm – Rethinking Human Security and Economic Development in Africa: Addressing Geopolitical Challenges and Shaping the Future Beyond 2030, Tokyu Bay Hotel Minatomirai 

TICAD9 JICA Thematic Events 

Launch of a key UNDP policy brief calling for a renewed agenda on human security anchored in local systems. 

Wed 20 August, 12.30 – 2.30 pm – Promoting Economic Inclusion and Self-Reliance of Forcibly Displaced Persons in Africa through Humanitarian, Development and Peace Nexus Approaches

TICAD9 JICA Thematic Events

Intercontinental Hotel Yokohama 

Exploring UNDP’s integrated approach to building peace and resilience in complex crisis contexts.  

Thurs 21 August, 12.30 – 2.30 pm 

AI Transformation for Africa – AI talent development and Ecosystem strengthening, Intercontinental Hotel Yokohama Exhibition Hall D 

TICAD9 JICA Thematic Events 

A multistakeholder panel on AI’s potential in driving digital innovation and talent development. 

Thurs 21 August, 3.20 – 4.50 pm - Special Edition of AFRI CONVERSE  Investing in Resilience: Innovative Financing Models for Sustainable Development in the Sahel- Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Hall D 

https://www.undp.org/africa/events/special-edition-afri-converse-sahel 

A panel discussion reflecting on lessons from UNDP’s Stabilization Programme and the use of innovative financing to build long-term resilience in Africa. 

Fri 22 August, 10.00 – 11.30 am  Credit Rating in Africa 
Building a Sustainable Investment Environment and Advancing Development Finance, Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Hall D 

https://www.undp.org/africa/events/development-finance A results-focused session showcasing successful Japanese-funded projects and exploring pathways to scale innovative finance. 

AFRICA WEEK at Japan Expo - an interactive event of creativity and connection, held at the UN Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka, coincides with TICAD9 and serves as an occasion to recognize the importance of multilateralism and Africa's strong leadership in addressing development agendas beyond borders (17 to 24 August). 

Press conferences and Partnership Agreements 

Key public-private partnerships to advance the development agenda in Africa will be announced during TICAD9: 

1. UNDP - University of Tokyo Collaboration on AI & Digital Entrepreneurship 

2. UNDP - Toyota Tsusho Partnership for Safe Driving & Technical Skills Training in West Africa 

3. The renewal of a Four-Agency Collaboration (UNDP, JICA, JETRO, UNIDO) which will further serve as the framework to deepen collaboration in investment promotion, innovation ecosystems, youth entrepreneurship, and industrial development in Africa. 

Special Guest & Celebrity: Patoranking, UNDP Africa Goodwill Ambassador 

international music star and youth advocate will join UNDP’s engagements at TICAD9 to amplify youth voices and promote development solutions from the continent. He will feature in special dialogue sessions and public advocacy activities with young innovators and leaders. 

Africa Week at Expo 2025 Osaka  

Running concurrently with TICAD9, Africa Week (17–24 August) at the UN Pavilion, Expo 2025 Osaka, will feature public exhibitions, storytelling, and interactive experiences designed to transform perceptions of Africa, particularly among Japanese youth. The event aligns with Japan’s Society 5.0 strategy and the Expo’s broader focus on accelerating the SDGs 

Interested media organizations should see additional information concerning media accreditation on the MOFA Japan page here. 

For media inquiries or requests, please contact:

Hideyuki Mohri, UNDP Japan, hideyuki.mohri@undp.org 

Larson Moth, TICAD Unit, larson.moth@un.org