African Union and Japan meet to advance cooperation between Africa and Japan

H.E. Commissioner Lerato D. Mataboge of the African Union Commission has held a courtesy meeting with H.E. Mr. Sekiguchi Noboru, Ambassador of Japan, to discuss advancing strategic cooperation between Africa and Japan. The dialogue focused on shared priorities under Agenda 2063, including inclusive growth, sustainable development, and the acceleration of continental transformation.

The meeting built on the framework of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, exploring opportunities to deepen collaboration in critical sectors. Key areas of discussion included infrastructure and transport, with both parties reaffirming support for the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa, the Single African Air Transport Market, the African Integrated Railway Network, and the Trans-African Highway network.

Energy integration was also highlighted, focusing on enhancing power system connectivity through the African Single Electricity Market and promoting sustainable energy development. Discussions on digital transformation and artificial intelligence centered on enabling responsible digital governance, supporting skills development, and fostering local innovation ecosystems across Africa.

The Department of Infrastructure and Energy emphasized its commitment to long-term partnership with Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, aiming to accelerate priority continental initiatives and ensure the benefits of industrialization and connectivity are widely shared across Africa.