| Overview : The Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) started in 1993 to raise international awareness and mobilize international support for African development. Since then, with UNDP as a co-organizer, TICAD has evolved into a uniquely open and multi-stakeholder international forum on African development, gathering African heads of states and key stakeholders. TICAD V, which was held in Yokohama, Japan in June 2013, proved to be one of the most successful forums; gathering 51 African countries (including 39 heads of states), 31 development partners and Asian countries, as well as 72 international organizations. The outcome documents, Yokohama Declaration and Yokohama Action Plan 2013, affirms that the private sector is a vital engine of growth and sets “Promoting private sector-led growth” as one of six pillars to achieve quality economic growth in Africa. TICAD VI, which will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 27-28 August 2016, is expected to build on the past achievements and to further contribute to shaping and promoting common African development agenda among wide-ranging stakeholders. UNDP Representation Office in Tokyo (“UNDP Tokyo”) is responsible for partnership building with the private sector and relevant programmes in Japan. In cooperation with the Regional Bureau for Africa (RBA), UNDP Tokyo has implemented a project to promote innovative inclusive business by private companies in Africa from 2012 to 2013, organized a study tour for private sector and facilitated high-level dialogue between Japanese business associations and UNDP senior officials on African development. TICAD Business Consultant stationed at UNDP Tokyo is responsible for overall advocacy, outreach and partnership development with the Japanese private sector for TICAD VI in Japan. S/he will take responsibility for knowledge sharing and management, seminars and/or public events to promote TICAD to private companies and stakeholders including business associations and policy makers, promoting their active engagement in African development. It is expected that a growing number of Japanese private companies will express their interests in and/or participate in TICAD process, contributing to achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa. |
