Robertsfield, Margibi – President Joseph N. Boakai has returned to Liberia after attending the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), which took place from August 20–22, 2025, at Yokohama, Japan.
In partnership with the United Nations, World Bank, and African Union Commission, TICAD has been promoting African ownership of development priorities, mutually respectful international partnerships, and high-level policy dialogue between African leaders and global stakeholders for more than thirty years, according to an Executive Mansion release dated August 24, 2025. Talks about aid have given way to a forum for innovation, investment, and sustainable development throughout Africa.
In order to further Liberia’s development plan within the AREST framework (Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism), President Boakai and the Liberian delegation participated in plenary sessions, bilateral discussions, and strategic forums during TICAD 9.
Key Highlights of Liberia’s Engagement at TICAD 9:
Bilateral Meeting with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba:
President Boakai highlighted Liberia–Japan relations and expressed gratitude for Japan’s longstanding support, including the Japan Freeway Extension, Somalia Drive reconstruction, food aid of more than 6,000 metric tons of rice and over $55 million in grants since 2023, health equipment for the Liberian-Japanese Friendship Maternity Hospital, and crisis assistance during Ebola and COVID-19.
The President emphasized Liberia’s priorities in education, infrastructure, trade facilitation, and health. Prime Minister Ishiba pledged continued support aligned with Liberia’s AREST Agenda.
Health Diplomacy with Tokushukai Medical Group:
President Boakai thanked Japan’s largest private healthcare provider for its donations of dialysis machines and medical equipment, and called for expanded partnerships in maternal health, renal care, and hospital infrastructure. Potential benefits for Liberia include advanced medical technology, professional training for health workers, and the establishment of dialysis centers and rural health outreach programs.
Plenary Address on Peace and Security:
At Plenary I, President Boakai positioned Liberia as a model of post-conflict recovery and democratic consolidation, highlighting Liberia’s upcoming role as a UN Security Council non-permanent member (2026–2027).
He underscored Liberia’s contributions to regional stability through security sector reform, youth empowerment, and cooperation against piracy, organized crime, and unconstitutional governance.
Urban Collaboration with Yokohama City:
In a meeting with the Mayor of Yokohama, President Boakai sought technical cooperation on sanitation, waste management, clean city initiatives, and smart city planning, with the goal of strengthening Liberia’s urban development.
Private Sector Engagement:
Beyond government-to-government dialogue, President Boakai and his delegation also met with major financial institutions, including the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and other private sector partners. These engagements are expected to lead to long-term investments in Liberia’s key sectors, driving sustainable economic growth and creating jobs for Liberians.
Strategic Benefits for Liberia:
Through its engagement at TICAD 9, Liberia stands to benefit from expanded Japanese investment in roads, energy, and agriculture; technical cooperation in education, trade, and institutional reform; strengthened health sector partnerships; private sector investment; and city-to-city collaboration to improve urban planning and sanitation.
President Boakai described Liberia’s participation in TICAD 9 as “a reaffirmation of our shared vision with Japan, global partners, and private investors for a prosperous, peaceful, and resilient Liberia.”
