Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida is set to embark on a pre-G7 summit tour of Africa, which will cover Kenya, Mozambique, and Ivory Coast. The trips aim to strengthen Japan’s relations with African countries as the government considers the continent as an important partner for future cooperation in global issues such as security and climate change. This will also prepare the groundworks for the upcoming G7 summit, where Africa’s economic growth and development will be among the key topics discussed.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is set to visit several African countries during the country’s Golden Week holidays, which will begin at the end of April. Kishida plans to visit Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and Mozambique, where he will engage in talks and negotiations that will focus on collaborating with major African nations to resolve global issues. According to Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, these visits will play a significant role in enhancing Japan’s standing among the Group of Seven (G7) nations. This year, Japan is hosting the G7 summit in Hiroshima, which is expected to take place in May.
The visit is part of Kishida’s preparations for the G7 summit. Kishida has expressed his earnest desire to establish stronger relationships with the so-called Global South, a term that encompasses developing countries south of the equator. This region is vital for Japan due to its significant mineral deposits of cobalt, lithium, copper, and rare earths. It is as a source of natural resources that Africa has become one of the more critical economic allies for Japan. Several Japanese companies have established operations within Africa, including those in the agricultural sector.
Government sources reveal that Kishida will embark on a seven-day trip that will commence on April 29, thus becoming his first visit to Africa since he took office as Japan’s Prime Minister in October 2021. From Kenya to Ghana, Japan expects to foster collaboration on issues such as food and water security, health care, and climate change. Kishida’s task force in the Japanese government underscores that critical development issues will be a major point of discussion between the African nations and Japan.
The visit comes at a time when Africa has increasingly become a critical player in the global geopolitical space. The Russian invasion of Ukraine earlier this year has led many African countries to rethink their approach and avoid taking sides in the conflict. Key African countries have become vocal in their demand for a reformed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This has become a significant point of discussion among African countries as they seek more significant representation within the UN system.
As Japanese firms contend with the consequences of supply chain disruptions that originated from the COVID 19 pandemic, Africa is a critical ally in their drive to diversify production and lessen their vulnerability. One of the more essential areas of focus is solar energy, an area in which Africa has considerable potential. Many Japanese firms, for instance, have already established operations in Ghana, where they are producing organic pineapple for export to Japan.
In conclusion, Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s forthcoming trip to Africa is significant as he embarks on a mission to foster crucial relationships with African countries. The focus is on collaborating to find solutions to critical global issues ahead of the May G7 Summit in Hiroshima. Kishida’s visit demonstrates Japan’s commitment to developing ties with African nations as the region becomes a vital geopolitical player globally. The mission is also viewed as an essential opportunity to expand Japan’s economic interests beyond the traditional strongholds of Southeast Asia and China.
