Smart Africa CEO receives Japanese delegation ahead of TICAD 9 Digital Forum

Smart Africa CEO Lacina Koné has welcomed a high-level Japanese delegation led by  Seisuke Matsumura, Secretary at Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), to discuss collaborative digital transformation initiatives. The meeting culminated in an official invitation for Smart Africa's participation in the upcoming Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) this August. 

The delegation, representing MIC Director Ryo Horikawa, confirmed plans for a dedicated workshop on "The Digital Impact in Africa" during TICAD 9. This session will spotlight critical strategies for accelerating telecommunications infrastructure development across the continent, aligning with both Japan's technological expertise and Africa's digital ambitions. 

"This engagement reinforces our shared commitment to bridging digital divides through infrastructure investment," said Koné following the meeting. The invitation positions Smart Africa as a key voice in shaping TICAD 9's digital agenda, particularly in advancing continental connectivity goals outlined in the Smart Africa Alliance's 2023-2027 strategy. 

Japan's continued partnership with African digital institutions through TICAD demonstrates growing recognition of the continent's technological potential. The Yokohama conference is expected to yield concrete partnerships in fiber optic deployment, satellite connectivity, and next-generation network development – all critical to achieving Africa's Digital Single Market vision. 

With TICAD 9 occurring alongside major African digital policy milestones, including the operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area's digital trade protocols, the August forum may prove pivotal for cross-continental infrastructure investment. Smart Africa's participation ensures African priorities remain central to these global discussions on digital transformation.

By:  Kanto Kai Okanta