Strengthening Relations with African Countries through the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9)
The Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) held high-level meetings with heads of state, ministers, and other senior government officials from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Republic of Mozambique, and other African nations during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), held in Yokohama from August 20 to 22, 2025.
These bilateral meetings focused on the current status and future outlook of mineral resources and energy sector policies and projects. Discussions also included initiatives for techical cooperation, with the shared goal of deepening partnerships and fostering long-term collaboration. JOGMEC also took part in Commemorative Ceremony for Signed Cooperation Documents at TICAD9 during the event.
At the TICAD Business Expo & Conference, held during TICAD9, JOGMEC hosted a booth to showcase its activities in Africa. The exhibit highlighted the organization's contributions to technological advancement, development projects, and ongoing initiatives in the region.
Through continued efforts in technical cooperation projects and support for resource-related projects, JOGMEC remains committed to ensuring a stable supply of resources and energy for Japan, while also supporting sustainable growth and economic development across Africa.
1. High-level Meetings with heads of state, ministers, and other senior government officials from African countries
(1)The Democratic Republic of the Congo (August 21, 2025)
JOGMEC held a meeting with Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tulukwa of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, along with other senior ministers. During the meeting, JOGMEC provided an overview of ongoing training programs conducted through the Botswana Geologic Remote Sensing Center, as well as cooperative projects carried out under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the DRC Ministry of Mines. JOGMEC also welcomed the renewal of the memorandum with Gecamines, signed on August 20. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the cooperative relationship between the two countries.
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Meeting with the Democratic Republic of the Congo
(left) Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tulukwa of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
(right) Mr. TAKAHARA Ichiro Chairman &CEO of JOGMEC
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Signing Ceremony
(left) Mr. Placide Nkala Basadilua CEO of Gecamines,
(right) Mr. TAKAHARA Ichiro Chairman &CEO of JOGMEC
(2)The Federal Republic of Nigeria (August 21, 2025)
JOGMEC met with the Minister of Metallurgical and Mineral Development of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. During the meeting, the Minister outlined Nigeria’s investment environment, while JOGMEC provided an overview of its organizational functions and areas of expertise. Both sides concluded the discussion by affirming their intention to maintain ongoing communication and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
(3)The Republic of Namibia (August 22, 2025)
JOGMEC held a meeting with the CEO of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) in the Republic of Namibia. During the discussion, JOGMEC outlined the status of ongoing joint rare earth exploration projects in collaboration with international partners, as well as training initiatives conducted through the Botswana Geologic Remote Sensing Center. Both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening the cooperative relationship between Namibia and Japan.
(4)African Finance Corporation (AFC)(August 22, 2025)
JOGMEC held a meeting with Mr. Samaila Zubairu President of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) to exchange views on the respective roles and functions of both organizations, as well as potential areas for future collaboration. JOGMEC highlighted the strong interest among Japanese companies in Africa, and both parties agreed to continue sharing information and exploring opportunities for cooperation moving forward.
(5)The Minerals Council South Africa(August 20, 2025)
JOGMEC and the Minerals Council South Africa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at the exchange of information including clean coal technologies, decarbonization strategies, and mine safety. This MOU is expected to promote information sharing related to the coal industry between the Republic of South Africa and Japan.
Signing Ceremony
(left) Ms. Shamini Harrington Senior Executive of the Minerals Council South Africa, (right) Mr. KUBOTA Hiroshi Executive Vice President of Metals Unit of JOGMEC
(6)The Republic of Mozambique(August 20, 2025)
JOGMEC has signed an amendment to "Implementation Program on Cooperation in the Field of Oil and Gas Resources for Human Resource Development" with the Instituto Nacional de Petróleo (INP) and Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos, E.P. (ENH) of the Republic of Mozambique to extend the implementation period. This extension reflects the JOGMEC’s ongoing commitment to capacity building in Mozambique’s oil and gas sector. For further details, please refer to the relevant news release.
2. JOGMEC Exhibition at the TICAD Business Expo & Conference(August 20 - 22, 2025)
At the TICAD Business Expo & Conference, held during TICAD9, JOGMEC hosted an exhibition booth to present its initiatives in Africa across the fields of energy, metals, and coal. Through informative display panels, JOGMEC highlighted its ongoing activities and achievements on the continent.
The booth also featured a 3D projection-mapped model to demonstrate remote sensing technology used for monitoring small-scale and artisanal mining operations, along with actual ore samples to showcase JOGMEC’s technical capabilities in the field.
On August 20 and 21, JOGMEC welcomed Mr. Rakotondulavaly, Director of the Mining Bureau at the Ministry of Mines of the Republic of Madagascar, to the booth. As part of the engagement, a mini-lecture titled “Current Status and Challenges of Small-Scale Mining in Madagascar” was held and concluded successfully, drawing interest from attendees and contributing to knowledge-sharing at the event.
JOGMEC Exhibition at the TICAD Business Expo & Conference
3. Attendance at the Commemorative Ceremony for Signed Cooperation Documents at TICAD9 (August 21, 2025)
JOGMEC signed an amendment to "Implementation Program on Cooperation in the Field of Oil and Gas Resources for Human Resource Development" with INP and ENH as mentioned above. Additionally, JOGMEC renewed its Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Mineral Resources Sector with the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe. Mr.TAKAHARA Ichio, Chairman & CEO of JOGMEC, attended the Commemorative Ceremony for Signed Cooperation Documents at TICAD9 alongside Mr. Nazário Joel Julião de Jesus Bangalane, President of INP; Ms. Ludovina Bernardo, Chairwoman of ENH; and Mr. Stewart Nyakotyo, Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Japan. The Ceremony was attended by Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru of Japan, H.E President Lourenço of the Republic of Angola, H.E. Willian Samoei Ruto, President of Republic of Kenya, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of Republic of Ghana, H.E. Mr Robert Beugré MAMBE, Prime Minister of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire, Mr. TACHIBANA Keiichiro, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, Mr. KOGA Yuichiro, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, and Mr. FUJII Hisayuki, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Commemorative Ceremony for Signed Cooperation Documents at TICAD9 (Source:JETRO)
(middle of the front row) Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru (from right to left of the back row) Mr.TAKAHARA Ichiro Chairnan & CEO of JOGMEC, Ms. Ludovina Bernardo Chairwoman of ENH, Mr. Nazário Joel Julião de Jesus Bangalane President of INP, Mr. Stewart Nyakotyo Zimbabwean Ambassador to Japan
JOGMEC remains committed to advancing resource diplomacy in Africa and will continue working to deepen its cooperative relationships with African countries, contributing to the stable supply of resources and energy for Japan.
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