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Positive Momentum at Tokyo International Conference on African Development Sparks Hope

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1 year ago

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Tokyo International Conference on African Development

Tokyo International Conference on African Development highlights Japan’s fresh role as a trusted partner to Africa amid mounting debt and aid cuts

The Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) kicked off a vital three-day summit on Wednesday, bringing together African leaders and global figures to explore fresh avenues of partnership and development.

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Also read: Heirs Energies CEO to Share African Energy Blueprint at Namibia Oil Conference 2025

Attracting heavyweight attendees including Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Kenyan President William Ruto, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the conference underscores Africa’s urgent need for sustainable support amid a worsening debt crisis.

“The debt and liquidity crisis on the African continent is worsening the challenging socio-economic environment and constraining the fiscal space for governments to cast a safety net over its citizens,” Ramaphosa’s office noted.

While China has been Africa’s dominant investor, financing massive infrastructure projects under its Belt and Road initiative, new lending from Beijing has sharply declined.

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Meanwhile, Western aid has diminished, particularly following the US’s cutbacks on development funding.

Against this backdrop, Japan is positioning itself as a trustworthy alternative partner for Africa.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized Japan’s commitment to aligning development efforts with Africa’s needs, stating, “We want to carefully identify the needs of our partners and earn their trust.”

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Japan is set to propose the creation of an “economic zone” linking Africa and the Indian Ocean region, aiming to foster closer economic ties and shared prosperity.

Further, Japan pledged to nurture 30,000 artificial intelligence experts over the next three years, promoting industrial digitalisation and job creation—an ambitious move to empower Africa’s youthful population.

However, Japan’s major business lobby, Keidanren, warned that winning trust from developing countries will be critical to success.

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Also read: Decentralized Nigeria 2025 Conference Showcases Africa’s Web3 Potential

As the Tokyo International Conference on African Development progresses, it offers a powerful platform for redefining Africa’s partnerships, balancing economic opportunities with sustainable, respectful collaboration.

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events

Oluna’s Ifa Festival Draws Pasuma, Malaika to Owode Egba

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4 days ago

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November 2, 2026

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Festival

Oluna Ifa Festival 2026 brought Pasuma, Malaika, Ibrahim Chatta and other celebrities to Owode Egba for a two-day cultural celebration

Owode Egba in Ogun State became a centre of cultural celebration on October 30 and 31, 2026, as the families of High Chief Ayoola Adeyi Olaifa, the Olu Nla, also known as Oluna of Owode Egbaland, hosted a two-day Ifa Festival featuring prominent Fuji musicians, Nollywood personalities and traditional rulers.

Also read: Ajaero Insists NLC Can Negotiate Alone in Labour Dispute

The event, tagged Ifa Festival ’26, was organised around the theme of heritage, music and community, bringing together residents, visitors and entertainment personalities for two days of cultural activities and live performances.

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The first day of the celebration took place at Olunla Villa, Balogun Quarters, Owode Egba, with Fuji musician Sulaimon Alao Malaika leading the entertainment.

He was joined by Alhaji Saheed Bamidele, popularly known as Ife Arawe, guest artiste Olariiki and Awise Mass Kenny, also known as Eyinju Oganla.

Activities continued on Saturday, October 31, at All Saint School 1, Owode Egba, with a bigger entertainment line-up led by Fuji star Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, popularly known as Oganla.

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Other performers included Segun Johnson and T.I Blaze, while Nollywood actor Ibrahim Chatta was scheduled to make a special appearance.

Yemi Olade and Kukoyi Adedoyin served as masters of ceremonies for the second day’s programme.

The festival also featured a strong traditional and royal presence. Oba Kolawole Arewa Sowemimo, the Gbadewolu 1 and Olu of Owode Egbaland, was named Royal Father of the Day, while Chief Otunba Michael Oluwole Soretire chaired the occasion.

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The gathering brought together traditional leadership and contemporary entertainment, highlighting the role of cultural festivals in celebrating community identity and connecting different generations.

With Fuji performances, celebrity appearances and the presence of traditional rulers, Ifa Festival ’26 provided a platform for residents and visitors to celebrate the heritage and communal spirit of Owode Egbaland.

Also read: Ajaero Insists NLC Can Negotiate Alone in Labour Dispute

The organisers described the event as an opportunity to celebrate culture, tradition and the identity of the community, placing Owode Egba’s cultural heritage at the centre of the two-day gathering.

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