Jobs are vital for Africa’s development and creating more and better jobs is essential for reducing poverty and boosting shared prosperity. However, rapid urbanization in Africa is occurring at lower levels of GDP per capita compared to other regions historically, presenting unique challenges and opportunities.
On the occasion of TICAD 9, where discussions on African development will take place, the World Bank Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC) will host a thematic event to explore how urbanization can be leveraged to expand economic opportunities and improve employment outcomes in the region.
The session will feature two forthcoming World Bank knowledge Flagship Reports (1) Africa’s Urban Awakening: Catalyzing Economic Growth and Job Creation, and (2) MENA Cities for More and Better Jobs. Drawing on these regional studies, the session will discuss the World Bank’s emerging thinking on leveraging urbanization in Africa for economic growth and more and better job creation, with contributions from World Bank experts, high-level representatives from the selected African countries and Japan. The session will provide a platform for stakeholders to engage in sharing insights, meaningful dialogue, and explore policy planning and institutional innovations that can help urban centers in Africa to become engines of inclusive and sustainable job creation.
[Event Overview]
Date and time: August 20, 2025, 12:40-14:10
Location: Exhibition Hall D S-09, Yokohama Pacifico, Yokohama, Japan
Anyone can participate free of charge, but please note that seating is limited.
[Program]
- Opening Remarks: Kentaro Ogata, Director General of the International Bureau, Ministry of Finance, Government of Japan
- Jobs and Africa Thematic Presentation ”Africa’s Urban Awakening: Catalyzing Economic Growth and Jobs”: Mark Roberts, Lead Urban Economist and Lead Author of the flagship report, World Bank
- Panel Discussion followed by Q&A:
Introduction: Akihiko Nishio, Vice President of Development Finance (DFi), World Bank
Speakers:
· Kizo Hisamoto, Mayor of Kobe City, Japan
· Khaled Mahmoud Abdelhalim, Governor of Qena, Egypt
· Takuro Kasao, Deputy Director General, General Policy Division, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), Government of Japan
· Mark Roberts, Lead Urban Economist, World Bank
Moderator and closing summary: Jon Kher Kaw, Senior Urban Development Specialist, World Bank
- Photo session
Session details and speakers are subject to change without notice.