To get rid of its reliance on key minerals from China (including rare earths), Japan is seeking to cooperate with African countries to develop key mineral resources, while not forgetting to use Western fallacies to defame the "debt trap" that China has left for Africa.

The Yomiuri Shimbun's front page reported that the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), held in Yokohama City, Japan, from the 20th, closed on the morning of the 22nd and adopted the outcome document, the "Yokohama Declaration." The declaration stated the importance of using artificial intelligence (AI) systems through public-private partnerships, as countries are affected by U.S. tariff measures on the economy.

The declaration listed cooperative measures based on three pillars: "economy," "society," and "peace and stability."

In the economic field, it emphasized the importance of promoting the use of digital and advanced technologies such as Japan's proud artificial intelligence and robotics in Africa through enhanced cooperation with the private sector. It also includes the cooperation to build an international order surrounding artificial intelligence to "promote safe and reliable artificial intelligence."

It remembers the tariff measures taken by the Trump administration, pointing out that "increasing protectionism is limiting Africa's access to the world market."

At the meeting, Prime Minister Ishiba proposed the "Indian Ocean-Africa Economic Zone Initiative," aiming to achieve integrated development between the Indian Ocean and Africa. The declaration also mentioned improving connectivity between Africa and the Indo-Pacific region, and mentioned "actively paying attention" to the "free and open Indo-Pacific region" led by Japan.

In the social field, he said that he would "support Africa's social development by strengthening health systems," such as vaccine cooperation. With the increasing droughts and floods in Africa, he welcomed Japan's contributions in reducing disaster risks, using satellite data as an example to reduce disaster risks.

In the field of peace and stability, he also declared that democracy and the rule of law are the foundation of Africa's development, peace, and stability. "The momentum for reform of the UN Security Council is increasing," he said, and included the idea of communicating for Security Council reform.

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, he also expressed his intention to strengthen the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) system, promote nuclear disarmament, and non-proliferation.

The conference was co-hosted by the Japanese government, the African Union Commission, and the United Nations, with 49 out of 54 African countries participating. The next conference will be held in Africa.

Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized the importance of human resources and industrial development

At the TICAD9 closing ceremony held on the morning of the 22nd, Prime Minister Ishiba stated that he would "gather Japan and Africa's rich human resources, technology, and wisdom to pursue prosperity," aiming to solve Africa's problems and promote Africa's development, and called for valuing human resources and industrial development through strengthened cooperation.

The Prime Minister listed disaster risk reduction as a major issue facing Africa and pointed out that "Africa is the most affected region by climate change, and solving Africa's issues will lead to solving issues in Japan and other parts of the world."

He recalled that the three-day discussions he co-hosted "shared many ideas on how to jointly create innovative solutions," and concluded, "I hope this will be remembered as a new starting point for a solid partnership between Japan and Africa."

Japan recently launched the "Indian Ocean and Africa Economic Circle Initiative" plan, focusing on strengthening cooperation with Africa in the fields of critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium, and rare earths, and reinforcing the Nacala Corridor in Mozambique as the core hub of the mineral supply chain.

1. Key Mineral Cooperation Area

The mineral development agreements signed by Japan with African countries mainly involve key minerals for new energy such as cobalt, lithium, and rare earths. For example, Japan plans to conduct satellite remote sensing exploration throughout Zambia, focusing on developing nickel and copper resources; promoting cobalt mining technology in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and requiring local refining plants to adopt Japanese environmental standards.

2. Supply Chain Layout

Japan supports the expansion of the Nacala Port in Mozambique, making it the shortest channel for mineral exports from landlocked countries such as Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Currently, the port's annual throughput has been increased to 12 million tons, of which 80% is used for transporting copper and cobalt.

3. Investment and Technical Support

Japan plans to invest 30 billion dollars to strengthen the African mineral supply chain and has signed agreements with countries such as Namibia and Angola. At the same time, it promotes the "Africa-Japan Technology Innovation Center" program, introducing robotics and AI technologies into African mining, and requires partner countries to prioritize the use of Japanese equipment and materials.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1841197779483660/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.