Africa Unify and Prosper – TICAD8

5 September 2022

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida could not make the trip to Africa to attend the all important TICAD8 conference that was held in Tunisia on 27 to 28 August 2022 as he had tested positive for Covid-19, the global coronavirus pandemic that has caused much panic, paranoia and disruptions, and it has certainly placed the intentions of humanity under critical review.

The TICAD8 Tunis Declaration on August 28, 2022 states - "The Covid-19 pandemic has had unprecedented economic, political, environmental and social impacts globally. The pandemic highlighted the urgency and importance of integration, solidarity and 'investment in people' which will enhance the significant potential of Africa as a driving force of global growth. As the global community witnessed the human security crisis caused by the pandemic, the concept of human security needs to be upheld more than ever. The pandemic has reminded us of the value of 'people' on which the TICAD process attaches great importance."

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Africa’s resolve and resilience has once again confounded the prophets of doom and exposed the double standards of global relations practices and the distorted perceptions of Africans and Africa. It is the only continent on earth that is present in all 4 hemispheres. Both the Equator and the 0 degree line of longitude passes through it and so too does the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Africa is the world's second-longest and second-most-populous continent after Asia. In total, it covers 6% of Earth's total surface area and 20% of its land area. Of the 193 member nations of the United Nations, 54 are African making up 27% of the total representation at the world body.

The comprehensive declaration of the 8^th Tokyo International Conference on Africa’s Development indicates that the three decades of interactions and engagements have had success and has built a mechanism that gives expression to Africa’s real value and extraordinary potential. In line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 strategy, the stakeholders of TICAD8 once again declared its commitment to promoting Africa’s development by advocating for international cooperation under the guiding principles of African ownership, international partnership, inclusivity and openness.

As the panacea that is economic growth (GDP) fades into a past realm, the structural transformation that is taking place is more concerned with economic stability, sustainability, fairness and a just transition. The over consumption and over production economic system has had a devastating impact on the environment as is clear by the evidence of damaging weather patterns and volatile climactic changes.

Multinational corporations and conglomerates are scrambling to wean themselves off destructive business models that have trapped commerce and economics in a boom and bust cycle. The consideration for the Japanese private sector is Africa’s perceived underdevelopment as an opportunity to innovate new, dynamic and contemporary enterprises that draw on the vast ancient and indigenous knowledge and information that both Japan and Africa are bestowed with, and amalgamate it with the current, cutting edge technological epoch.

The role of agriculture and farming is an inextricable function of human activity as noted by the plethora of varying projects and programs of the Japans International Cooperation Agency – JICA that is at the hub of implementing the outcomes of TICAD. The immeasurable value of fauna and flora on planetary existence is embodied with a deep sense of connection and belonging to the earth and the cosmos that dictates planting and harvesting. Advanced technologies, satellite imaging and data have become an essential farming implement of agriculture. Food is an energy source for all living organisms to thrive and survive and water the life-giving element, the medicine that directly affects health, and profoundly influences our behaviour. Food is attached to our emotive psyche, culture, traditions and has inspired the culinary arts. It is critical in the maintenance of peace and stability.

A retrospective of colonialism can be viewed as a crude, uncivilised and abusive form of globalisation that holds many lessons for the process of decolonization and Africa’s re-integration. TICAD8 declared its full support and welcomed the initiation of the African Continental Free trade Area (AfCFTA). “We recognize the importance of African initiatives, ownership and management of its natural resources to harness the full economic potential of the oceans, seas, lakes, rivers and other water resources in accelerating economic growth in a cooperative manner through the blue economy including through the establishment of value chains in the fisheries sector and empowering people for sustainable development,” the declaration read.

Logistics, infrastructure and regulation standardization and harmonization in tandem with human resources development, education, skills development and knowledge sharing will drive the unification of Africa. It should curb illicit and illegal activity and discourage and temper the contestation for resources by providing a fair and just exchange of goods and services and inspire African unity and prosperity.

K Bhana

Click here for the full TICAD8 Tunis Declaration