World Bank President Jim Yong Kim expressed hope Monday that Japan will boost investment in Africa, which Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has highlighted as a key target market under the country's economic growth strategy, the Finance Ministry said.

During a 30-minute meeting with Finance Minister Taro Aso, who doubles as deputy prime minister in the Abe administration, Kim said the global lender will help Japanese firms branch out in the continent, the ministry said.

Aso welcomed Kim's remarks, saying support from the World Bank will benefit the Japanese business sector.