1st-year student MAYANJA Iddi Haruna and 2nd-year student MOLLEL Frank Francis participated in the TICAD9 Summit held in Yokohama from Wednesday, August 20 to Friday, August 22, 2025. The TICAD 9 Summit is an international conference led by the Japanese government in collaboration with international organizations to promote sustainable development in Africa.
(The following is a contribution from a student.)
We recently had the opportunity to participate in the TICAD9 Summit held in Yokohama from Wednesday, August 20 to Friday, 22, 2025, where we met prominent figures like Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, the Prime Minister of Japan, as well as government officials and representatives from across Africa. It was an honor to witness discussions on Africa’s future and Japan’s role in supporting development.
In addition, we took part in the Model African Union (MAU), which was held on Wednesday, August 20 (Ticad Day 1), after learning about it from our mutual friend who was part of the organizing committee. 1st year student MAYANJA Iddi Haruna participated as the Head Delegate for Seychelles (refer to photo1) , and 2nd year sutdent MOLLEL Frank Francis as the Head Delegate of Tanzania (photo 2). At the MAU, university students in Japan (photo 3) apply as delegates of two countries they want to represent. Document screening takes place, and the delegates are later confirmed. The theme of this year’s session was Inayojumuisha: Youth Co-creation, Shaping Africa’s Future. Together with fellow youth representatives from both Japan and Africa, we exchanged perspectives on how young people can play an active role in shaping Africa’s development.
The debate proposed measures to enhance youth and women’s participation in politics, including quotas, civic education, digital engagement, independent unions, continental exchange programs, and promoting inclusive leadership while challenging harmful cultural practices. The resolution was unanimously approved by all Heads of Delegation, including us (Haruna and Frank).
This experience was especially meaningful because we not only learned from the debates but also had the chance to network with students from different universities in Japan.
Participating in both TICAD 9 and the MAU broadened our outlooks and reinforced the importance of collaboration between Japan and Africa, as well as the role of youth in building a sustainable future.
