Ambassador's Message
2025/12/12
Greetings,
My name is Noboru Sekiguchi, and I have recently assumed the post of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the African Union.
I arrived in Addis Ababa on November 25.
Since joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1991, I have worked in a wide range of fields both in Japan and abroad, including international cooperation, climate change, United Nations affairs, economic diplomacy, public diplomacy, and city diplomacy. My overseas postings have included the United Kingdom, Malaysia, the Mission of Japan to the United Nations, and Thailand, as well as serving as Consul-General of Japan in Dubai and Special Advisor on International Affairs for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. I intend to draw fully on these experiences as I work to further deepen the partnership between Japan and the African Union (AU).
Japan has long walked alongside Africa, with the aim of being a reliable and trusted partner for African countries. Since its establishment in 2002, the AU—the largest regional organization in the world—has been driving continental integration and has steadily strengthened its voice in the international arena, including its accession as a full member of the G20 in 2023. Its role is becoming ever more significant.
In August of this year, Japan and the African Union Commission (AUC) co-organized the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), under the theme of “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa .” Lively and substantive discussions were held across economic, social, peace, and stability issues.
As the international community undergoes profound change, it is more important than ever that Japan and the AU work together to uphold universal values such as the rule of law, peace and stability, and inclusive and sustainable development, and elevate our cooperation to a new stage.
Building on the TICAD process, Japan will continue to strengthen its collaboration with the AU and work to advance cooperation between Japan and Africa.
At the same time, Africa today faces a number of pressing challenges—peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, among others. Yet the continent also holds tremendous potential, driven by its young and growing population, robust economic prospects, industrialization efforts, and deepening regional integration.
I am committed to helping connect Africa’s dynamism with Japan’s sustainable growth.
I would be grateful for your support.
Noboru Sekiguchi
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the African Union
My name is Noboru Sekiguchi, and I have recently assumed the post of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the African Union.
I arrived in Addis Ababa on November 25.
Since joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1991, I have worked in a wide range of fields both in Japan and abroad, including international cooperation, climate change, United Nations affairs, economic diplomacy, public diplomacy, and city diplomacy. My overseas postings have included the United Kingdom, Malaysia, the Mission of Japan to the United Nations, and Thailand, as well as serving as Consul-General of Japan in Dubai and Special Advisor on International Affairs for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. I intend to draw fully on these experiences as I work to further deepen the partnership between Japan and the African Union (AU).
Japan has long walked alongside Africa, with the aim of being a reliable and trusted partner for African countries. Since its establishment in 2002, the AU—the largest regional organization in the world—has been driving continental integration and has steadily strengthened its voice in the international arena, including its accession as a full member of the G20 in 2023. Its role is becoming ever more significant.
In August of this year, Japan and the African Union Commission (AUC) co-organized the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), under the theme of “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa .” Lively and substantive discussions were held across economic, social, peace, and stability issues.
As the international community undergoes profound change, it is more important than ever that Japan and the AU work together to uphold universal values such as the rule of law, peace and stability, and inclusive and sustainable development, and elevate our cooperation to a new stage.
Building on the TICAD process, Japan will continue to strengthen its collaboration with the AU and work to advance cooperation between Japan and Africa.
At the same time, Africa today faces a number of pressing challenges—peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, among others. Yet the continent also holds tremendous potential, driven by its young and growing population, robust economic prospects, industrialization efforts, and deepening regional integration.
I am committed to helping connect Africa’s dynamism with Japan’s sustainable growth.
I would be grateful for your support.
Noboru Sekiguchi
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the African Union
- Ambassador Sekiguchi CV(PDF)
(165KB)