TICAD is a platform for discussing important issues related to Africa’s development, and a process that allows all TICAD partners — African Union Member States, Japan, co-organizers and other development partners, private sector and civil society — to come together for the further development of the continent.

The Yokohama Declaration 2019 endorses the theme of TICAD 7, “Advancing Africa’s Development through People, Technology and Innovation”. It also reinforces the three pillars of TICAD 7: i) accelerating economic transformation and improving business environment through innovation and private sector engagement; ii) deepening sustainable and resilient society; and iii) strengthening peace and stability. For each of these pillars, the Declaration commends achievements, highlights outstanding issues, and promotes continued collaboration and actions to advance progress. The Yokohama Plan of Actions 2019 which accompanies the Declaration, lists actions expected to be implemented by the TICAD partners in order to promote focus areas of the three main pillars of the Yokohama Declaration 2019 adopted at TICAD 7. The Yokohama Plan of Action 2019 is an evolving document which will be updated at any time after TICAD 7 by each TICAD partner.

We, the Heads of State and Government and delegations of Japan and African Union Member States together with representatives of Intergovernmental African, international, regional organizations and partner countries, as well as the private sector and civil society organizations from Japan and Africa, met in Yokohama, Japan, on 28-30 August 2019, for the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 7). We note the progress made across Africa in recent years and recognize the significant transformations in the continent and the world since TICAD began in 1993.

We further note the achievements of TICAD since its inception and continue to implement the guiding principles of African ownership and international partnership, inclusivity and openness. Implementation of TICAD should be guided by Africa’s development dynamics and priorities bearing in mind the concepts of sustainable development and human security. TICAD should therefore be aligned with the African vision as explicitly stated in the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 and its First Ten-Year Implementation plan, as well as the global commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs).