A seminar on the theme of Connecting Africa, Expanding Business was held in Tokyo to discuss the latest developments in the AfCFTA and new developments in Japan-Africa economic partnership, with several institutions collaborating on the discussions.
The seminar “Connecting Africa, Expanding Business: New Developments in the AfCFTA and Japan-Africa Economic Partnership” was held on 14 October 2026 at the U Thant International Conference Hall, United Nations University, Tokyo, as part of the activities of a public-private-academic study committee established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Attendance reached 158, drawing participants from a broad range of fields, including the Japanese government, international organizations, private-sector companies, research institutions, and universities.
The presentations outlined the AfCFTA's implementation status and future development, including the proportion of tariff liberalization, the operation of rules of origin, the current status and challenges of compliance obligations in the services sector, and expansion in areas including digital trade and intellectual property rights. They also addressed the potential for investment and technological cooperation by Japanese companies to contribute to the formation of regional production networks.
Discussion of digital market integration and potential cooperation with Japanese companies covered digital infrastructure and digital sovereignty, ensuring interoperability, and the Smart Africa Trust Alliance (SATA). Participants discussed leapfrogging in the digital sector and the development of regulatory frameworks. A policy was presented to create systematic mechanisms for collaboration and develop regional projects in the digital sector to strengthen cooperation between Japan and Africa.
The closing session organized the challenges involved in implementing the AfCFTA, regional integration, investment, and building regional value chains, and considered specific measures to create opportunities for Japan-Africa economic cooperation. The seminar concluded as a forum for exchanging views among African institutions, national governments, the private sector, academia, and development partners.