Japan has announced an ambitious plan to train 30,000 artificial intelligence (AI) experts across Africa within the next three years, aiming to accelerate the continent’s digital transformation, foster innovation, and create new jobs.
The announcement was made by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba during his opening speech at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-9), held in Yokohama on August 20, 2025. The summit, which runs until August 22, brings together leaders from over 50 African nations, including Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Kenya’s President William Ruto.
“Japan’s goal is to support the training of 30,000 AI experts over the next three years to promote digitization and create jobs,” Ishiba said.
AI Skills Training Across Africa
Japan’s initiative will establish AI and data science courses at dozens of African universities, starting with Kenya, Uganda, and other priority countries. The programs will focus on integrating AI into manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, and other high-impact sectors.
The courses will be developed in collaboration with Professor Yutaka Matsuo of the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Engineering, one of Japan’s leading AI experts.
This is part of a broader plan to build Africa’s human capital by training:
- 30,000 AI professionals
- 300,000 specialists in other digital and technical fields
- 35,000 healthcare and medical professionals over the next three years
By investing in digital skills, Japan hopes to position Africa’s youth to thrive in the global AI economy and drive local innovation.
Economic Cooperation and Green Investment
Beyond training, Japan pledged up to $7 billion in combined financial support for Africa, including:
- $5.5 billion in loans to promote sustainable development, delivered in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB)
- $1.5 billion in impact investments through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and private financial institutions, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting sustainable energy initiatives
Japan also proposed the creation of a new “economic zone” linking the Indian Ocean to Africa to promote trade integration, boost industrial development, and enhance cross-border supply chains.
Strategic Positioning: Japan vs. China
Japan’s TICAD-9 strategy represents a deliberate effort to differentiate its Africa engagement model from China’s debt-driven infrastructure funding.
While China has invested heavily in large-scale construction projects, often through loans that contribute to sovereign debt burdens, Japan is positioning itself as a partner focused on human capital development, green energy, and digital innovation.
This shift underscores Japan’s aim to foster co-creation with Africa rather than dependency.
Why TICAD-9 Matters
Launched in 1993, TICAD serves as a strategic forum for Japan-Africa cooperation, co-organized by:
- The Japanese government
- The United Nations
- The World Bank
- The African Union Commission
- The UN Development Programme (UNDP)
This year’s focus reflects Africa’s growing role in global technology ecosystems, as the continent’s AI market is projected to grow from $4.5 billion in 2025 to $16.5 billion by 2030, according to Statista.
By investing in talent pipelines, digital infrastructure, and sustainability initiatives, Japan seeks to help African economies leapfrog into the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Key Takeaways from Japan’s TICAD-9 Commitments
- 30,000 AI experts to be trained by 2028
- 300,000 professionals upskilled in other technical sectors
- $7B+ pledged for sustainable development, clean energy, and impact investments
- Launch of AI-focused university courses in Kenya, Uganda, and beyond
- Proposal for an Indian Ocean–Africa economic corridor to integrate trade and industrial value chains
- Strategic pivot towards skills, innovation, and sustainable growth — setting Japan apart from China’s infrastructure-heavy investments
Japan’s announcement signals a major shift in Africa’s global partnerships, putting skills, AI innovation, and sustainability at the heart of development. With youthful demographics and rapidly expanding digital economies, Africa is increasingly positioned as a key co-creator in the global AI revolution.
