When the first Tokyo International Conference on African Development was held in 1993, aid to Africa still meant providing support for social infrastructure, including water, health and education projects, because many of the countries were in civil war and their people needed basic necessities.
But 15 years later, promoting sustainable economic growth is becoming an increasingly important goal when working with African countries, said Tsuneo Kurokawa, head of the Japan International Cooperation Agency's Africa Department. JICA, a government-affiliated development body, mainly handles foreign aid by providing technical assistance.
"Situations do vary depending on each country, but in countries where peace has been restored, there are signs of growth. Thus, how to balance aid in the area of basic needs and economic growth will increase in importance for Japan and African countries," Kurokawa said ahead of TICAD IV, which kicks off Wednesday in Yokohama.