President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Japan to participate in the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), where Ghana is expected to pitch itself as an attractive destination for trade and investment. The three-day summit, which begins on August 20 in Yokohama, is bringing together African leaders, Japanese officials, global business executives, and development partners.
The Ghanaian delegation is expected to use the forum to deepen trade relations with Japan and attract fresh investment in energy, manufacturing, and agriculture, sectors seen as critical to Ghana’s growth strategy. On the sidelines, President Mahama is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Japanese leaders, development agencies, and potential investors.
TICAD, launched in 1993, has grown into one of the world’s most significant platforms for Africa’s development, jointly led by the Government of Japan, the United Nations, UNDP, the African Union Commission, and the World Bank. Its agenda is anchored in promoting African-led growth while fostering international partnerships.
This year’s discussions are centered on sustainable industrialization, human capital development, healthcare innovation, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Outcomes from TICAD 9 are expected to shape Africa–Japan cooperation over the next three years and support both the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Ghana has historically benefited from TICAD initiatives, particularly in infrastructure, health, and technical cooperation. The government is aiming to use TICAD 9 to position the country as a hub for investment in West Africa while reinforcing commitments to inclusive growth and regional integration.
