The conference, themed “Africa’s Development Dynamics: Skills, Jobs, Cities, and Opportunities”, jointly organized by the World Bank Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Development Center, was held on October 9, 2024 at the TDLC Studio in Tokyo in the lead-up to the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) planned to be held in August 2025 in Yokohama, Japan. The event gathered around 120 participants from across the globe, in person and virtually, to explore opportunities for African growth and the potential for deeper Japanese engagement, particularly in the private sector.
The event highlighted two critical trends shaping Africa’s future: the rapid expansion of its workforce and accelerated urbanization. With cities growing faster in Africa than anywhere else on the planet, the combination of young, increasingly educated populations and expanding urban centers presents both challenges and opportunities. With the right strategies in place, Africa’s cities and workforce could serve as powerful engines of economic growth and improved well-being for the continent.
Hiroshi Takami, Special Representative, Japan, World Bank, opened the event welcoming this opportunity to engage in rich dialogue, share innovative solutions, and build partnerships that will propel Africa towards a more prosperous and sustainable future.
Hiroshi Takami, Special Representative, Japan, World Bank making the opening remarks.
Dr. Takeharu Yamanaka, the Mayor of Yokohama, shared the city’s long-standing collaboration with African nations, having hosted over 1,400 individuals from African countries for training programs focused on waste management, port operations, and water supply systems, in partnership with the World Bank, OECD, JICA among others. He expressed optimism about using TICAD9 to spark innovation and promote the development of a “sustainable and green society” in Africa.
Yokohama Mayor Yamanaka opening the conference.
Dr. Arthur Minsat, Head of the Unit for Africa, Europe, and the Middle East at the OECD Development Centre, shared the key findings of the OECD’s latest report "Africa Development Dynamics 2024: Skills, Employment, and Productivity." He underscored the importance of investing in education and skills development, specifically in areas such as digital and green skills, which are key to boosting productivity and resource efficiency across Africa. Dr. Minsat emphasized that developing a skilled workforce is essential for improving employment opportunities and stimulating local economies.
World Bank urban specialists Ayah Mahgoub and Aanchal Anand, delved into the complex dynamics of urbanization in Africa. They highlighted the critical issue that population density in cities does not automatically lead to economic density—pointing out that without proper infrastructure and planning, urban centers face challenges such as pollution, congestion, waste management, and inadequate housing. These issues, they argued, must be addressed to enable the cities to fully realize their potential as hubs for job creation and economic growth.
Aanchal Anand and Ayah Mahgoub presenting World Bank work on urban density and its implications on job creation.
The event also featured a robust panel discussion that included the Côte d'Ivoire ambassador to Japan, representatives from the African Development Bank, JICA, and the Japanese private sector. The panelists emphasized the importance of Japan’s role in Africa’s development and the need for collaborative efforts to address the continent’s challenges. The discussion stressed several key points:
1. Youth-Centered Development: African development must focus on empowering the continent’s youth through education, skills training, and employment opportunities.
2. Local Stakeholder Engagement: It is crucial to involve local communities and stakeholders in the development process to ensure sustainable and culturally appropriate solutions.
3. Private Sector and Financial Institutions: These players have a vital role in attracting investment for human development and driving economic growth.
4. Collaboration to Spark Innovation: Partnerships between African governments, international organizations, and private companies will be essential to fostering innovation.
5. Urban Master Plans: Support for national and local governments to create and implement urban master plans is crucial for guiding sustainable urban growth.
Panel discussion with Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, JICA, AfDB and OCAJI moderated by Ms. Setsuko Saya, Deputy Director, OECD Development Centre.
The discussions throughout the event were centered on “collaborative action” and the necessity for joint efforts between African nations, international partners, and the private sector to create an environment that fosters job creation and sustainable development. Participants left the event with fresh insights into how to approach “business in Africa” and a strengthened resolve to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s development journey.
The event made it clear that while Africa’s cities face significant challenges, they also hold tremendous potential. By harnessing the energy of Africa’s young population, promoting skills development, and adopting inclusive urban policies, the continent can lay the groundwork for “sustainable economic growth” and improved livelihoods for its people.
Here are the reports and the presentation document featured in the event.
Africa’s Development Dynamics 2024 (English)
Africa - Cities for Jobs and Growth (English)
The Zoom recording is available here.