Report: Reception Hosted by the Mission of Japan to the AU

On Friday, January 24, 2025, Mission of Japan to the African Union (AU) hosted a reception to celebrate the longstanding partnership between Japan and the AU/African countries, which has been fostered through initiatives such as the TICAD process. The reception also aimed to build momentum toward the upcoming TICAD 9, which will be held in this August in Yokohama, Japan.
 

The reception began with remarks from H.E. Ambassador. Mr. Tordeta Alex Ratebaye, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Cabinet of the Chairperson, representing the Commission of the African Union (AUC) as one of TICAD’s co-organizers, as well as H.E. Ambassador. Ms. Khadijetou Mbareck Fall, Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania to the African Union, representing the current chair of the AU. H.E. Ambassador. Mr. Ratebaye and H.E. Ambassador. Ms. Fall praised the strong and enduring partnership between Japan and the AU/Africa countries and expressed their commitment to working closely together for the success of upcoming TICAD 9.
 
H.E.Mr. Tsutomu NAKAGAWA, Ambassador of Japan to the AU, expressed his deep appreciation for the efforts of the AU and African countries in strengthening Japan-AU/Africa relations. He also emphasized Japan’s commitment to further deepening this amicable partnership as TICAD 9 approaches.

The event welcomed over 250 attendees, including representatives from the Commission of the African Union, the diplomatic corps in Addis Ababa, international organizations, among others, providing a lively platform for networking and exchanges.

During the reception, participants had the opportunity to experience Japanese culinary culture, with traditional Japanese cuisine prepared by the Mission of Japan. Additionally, in remembrance of those affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake of 2024 and in support of the region’s recovery, sake from Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture—"Junmai Daiginjo Kagaturu"—was served. 
 
Furthermore, the reception venue featured exhibition booths by Japanese companies engaged in business in Africa region (TOPPAN, Castalia, Safaricom Ethiopia, and NEC), as well as JICA. These booths provided attendees with insights into Japanese enterprises and JICA’s initiatives across the African continent.