Ethiopia stresses need for African-led solutions backed by global partnerships to secure lasting peace

Addis Ababa, August 20, 2025 (FMC) — The Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-9) has opened in Yokohama, Japan, bringing together African leaders, international partners, and global institutions under the theme “Co-creating Innovative Solutions with Africa.”

The three-day summit, taking place from August 20–22, is focusing on peace and security, economic growth, and social development, with sideline events addressing key issues of mutual concern.

Ethiopia’s delegation, led by Minister of Industry Melaku Alebel, is actively engaging in the discussions.

In his address, the Minister acknowledged Africa’s progress in democratic governance while stressing that the continent continues to face persistent challenges including conflicts, violent extremism, terrorism, and the growing impact of climate change. He underscored that peace and development are inseparable, calling for African-led solutions supported by strong international partnerships.

The Ethiopian delegation highlighted the importance of conflict prevention through addressing governance deficits, exclusion, and poverty. Ethiopia reaffirmed its support for the full operationalization of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and urged greater international backing for African Union–led and nationally owned peace efforts.

Citing its own experience, Ethiopia shared the reforms it has undertaken to deepen citizen participation, empower women and youth, and advance national dialogue and transitional justice as pathways to reconciliation and social cohesion.

The country also commended Japan’s longstanding support for peacebuilding and humanitarian assistance in Africa, encouraging TICAD to expand integrated programs that build resilience and stability. On global governance, Ethiopia reiterated that Africa’s representation on the United Nations Security Council remains a pressing matter, stressing that the continent must have a decisive role in shaping international decisions.

Ethiopia reaffirmed its commitment to the TICAD framework and its readiness to work with Japan and other partners to advance a shared vision of a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous Africa.

TICAD-9 will feature wide-ranging deliberations on Africa’s development priorities, including climate action, youth engagement, digital innovation, economic transformation, and human security. The summit is also expected to strengthen Africa-Japan relations and accelerate sustainable development across the continent.

Established in 1993, TICAD is Japan’s flagship platform for advancing Africa’s development, co-hosted by Japan, the African Union, the United Nations, the UN Development Programme, and the World Bank. The 2025 conference is being held under the theme “People, Planet, and Prosperity in a Changing World: Co-creating Innovative Solutions with Africa.”