WORLD
Leaders gathering in Yokohama for Africa summit
Baku, August 28, AZERTAC
Leaders from over 50 African countries, and officials from a range of international organizations are descending on the Japanese port city of Yokohama, for a three-day summit, according to NHK World.
The Tokyo International Conference on African Development, TICAD, will begin soon with an opening address from Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
TICAD is the central pillar of Japan's foreign policy in Africa. This is the seventh session of the conference since it began in 1993.
The main focus this year is on promoting Japanese private investment on the continent.
Before the conference officially kicks off, a business expo got underway Wednesday morning. It's an opportunity for both Japanese and African firms to form new partnerships.
Over 150 Japanese companies and organizations from industries such as telecommunications and agriculture are attending the event.
TICAD will also address hot-button topics like health care services, security, and environmental concerns.