PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa arrived in Yokohama, Japan, this morning for the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).

He was received by Japanese officials, Zimbabwe Ambassador to Japan Stewart Nyakotyo, and embassy officials.

The President is accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, and the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, among other senior government officials.

This year’s conference will run from Wednesday to Friday this week, with African countries pitching their investment opportunities, while seeking strategic partnerships with Japanese firms in various sectors.

A number of Zimbabwe’s state enterprises are taking part in this year’s event, having also been part of the Expo2025 Osaka.

At least 40 heads of state and government and their representatives are expected to attended the conference, where exhibitions will focus on a number of themes such as: Japanese Companies Driving Growth in Africa, Transforming Infrastructure, Advancing Healthcare and Ssanitation Standards, Food Value Chain, Skills for the Future, Climate Solutions, and Sustainable Urban Development Solutions.

TICAD, co-organised by the Japanese government, the African Union Commission, and the United Nations, has been a cornerstone of Japan’s Africa policy since its establishment in 1993.