African leaders discussing the continent's future

The Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV) was held on 28-30 May under the theme: "Towards a Vibrant Africa – A Continent of Hope and Opportunity."

It was attended by 35 heads of state, seven prime ministers, and three vice-presidents representing 45 African countries. There were 2000 people in all who attended the conference. Many experts from the United States, Asia and Africa discussed the investment, medical, and food supply needs of the continent.

Farmers in an SG2000 Field

Mr Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of the Nippon Foundation, addressed a plenary session of the conference at which he stressed the importance of 1) improving the situation of Africa's farmers by building a better infrastructure for them to gain access to markets where they can sell their goods, thereby boosting their incomes, and 2) the urgent need to take action about the soaring price of fertilizer across the continent.

"The time has come to act. Together we can form an alliance to end poverty in Africa," said Mr Sasakawa. He called upon the G8 Summit leaders, who will meet in Japan later this year, to take up the key issues facing Africa.

He mentioned how the eradication of leprosy is an example of what can be done when there is a worldwide alliance to deal with a problem. "In just over two decades, the disease has gone from being a public health problem in 122 countries to just two countries today," he said.

The Nippon Foundation has donated $180 million in 14 African countries over the past 22 years to provide technical training and human resources development. The Sasakawa Global 2000 project aims at increasing agricultural production by promoting the use of small amounts of fertilizer and good quality seeds through local extension workers.

As part of the capacity building approach, the Nippon Foundation funded education programs at 13 universities and colleges in 9 countries in Africa. This is resulting in an increase of 2000 extension workers, who are now helping to develop their countries through agriculture. This effort has resulted in the doubling and tripling of harvests in places where the program is used.

Mr Sasakawa concluded his talk at TICAD IV by saying, "We are committed to helping Africa's farmers improve their quality of life, which we see as key to solving the issue of poverty. The Nippon Foundation pledges to work closely with you to this end."