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Speech Transcripts

August 26, 2016

Closing Remarks at TICAD VI side event "EPSA3 Launch Seminar"

Hilton Nairobi, Kenya

Mr. Otsuka, Dr. Adesina, and everyone in the room -- thank you again for joining us today.

I am thrilled to have been part of such a constructive and comprehensive discussion on industrializing Africa. This could have never been done without the active participation of our policy-makers, academics, and business leaders of Africa, Japan, UNDP, and its affiliates, and all other institutions represented here today. Thank you all so much.

Today, we have been able to engage in fruitful discussions to address important questions like: what roles government and the private sector should play in Africa's industrial policies, and what lessons Africa can share from Asia's history and experience.

Through our conversation, it's clear that private sector development needs a comprehensive approach. This includes effective policy-making and financial and technical assistance from both government and development partners.

This is why I am so encouraged by Dr. Adesina and Mr. Otsuka's announcement to boost Africa's financial resources. JICA is committed to actively participating in efforts to implement EPSA3. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with the AfDB to realize this target of 3 billion U.S. dollars in 3 years.

In my opening remarks, I explained Japan's history of promoting exports during the Meiji Era in the late 19th Century. At that time, Japanese exports shifted from rice and green tea, later to silk and manufactured goods, to accommodate Europe's market demands.

Japan's industrial success has been built upon these experiences of trial and error. To this day, we continue to reform to meet the changing needs of the global market.

Similarly, Africa is encouraged to evolve its industrial policies to better reflect the development challenges and economic conditions of each of its countries. To do so, it is critical to learn from the lessons of the past and adapt its next steps accordingly.

It is my hope that today's event gives us all the opportunity to revisit Africa's industrial policies and enhance the roles of government and the private sector in the context of each African country.

JICA stands ready to maximize its efforts for private sector development in Africa and provide support for policy-making, and financial and technical assistance.

Let's work together toward Africa's bright future.

Thank you again.

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