The COVID-19 pandemic may negatively affect peace and stability in Africa, while revealing the vulnerability of administrative institutions of African countries. At the TICAD 7, Prime Minister Abe announced NAPSA (New Approach for Peace and Stability in Africa), which assists institution building among others, along with the principle of approaching to root-cause of conflict and terrorism, highly considering Africa’s ownership for conflict solution.

Under the current circumstance in Africa, institution building and human capacity development are the most urgent tasks. Japan would like to support those areas so that everybody’s welfare and dignity in Africa are assured and no one left behind, thus realizing Agenda 2063, the Africa which African people want.

At last, I would like to note that the TICAD8 scheduled in 2022 was officially decided to be held in Tunisia. TICAD 8 will be a meaningful opportunity to discuss the agenda for African development among Africa, Japan, and other development partners, taking into consideration the situation in Africa after the COVID-19 pandemic.

I will definitively leave the country after completing my 2 years mission as the Ambassador of Japan to the African Union. Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my friends in Ethiopia, Africa, and partners of Africa for your hospitality and friendship. Africa is a continent of hopes and opportunity. I believe Africa’s prosperity and stability, overcoming the current difficulties.

The Ethiopian Herald July 26, 2020