YOKOHAMA, Japan — August 21, 2025
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday told delegates at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) that Africa’s future depends on equal partnerships, not handouts.
“Africa is not seeking aid. It is seeking partners. Partners that understand value co-creation, sustainable development and mutual industrialisation,” Ramaphosa said during Plenary Session 2 on the Economy in Yokohama.
He stressed that the continent’s priorities are value creation, sustainable growth and shared industrialisation, urging strategic collaboration in infrastructure, energy, digital development, skills training and manufacturing. Ramaphosa also highlighted blended finance and stronger trade integration as key vehicles to unlock Africa’s potential.
The South African leader’s remarks reflect Africa’s broader push at TICAD9 for partnerships in green energy, digital infrastructure, trade integration and advanced manufacturing, underscoring a shift from dependency to long-term, sustainable cooperation.
The official statement was released by the South African Presidency and shared on government channels.