TICAD, or the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, has continuously evolved since the first conference in 1993.

Held once every five years, the conference has attracted a rising number of participants as Japanese companies become more interested in Africa and vice versa amid the economic expansion of the African continent. At TICAD IV in 2008, about 3,000 people attended.

The number of participating country leaders from the 54-nation continent has been rising at each TICAD, from five to 15, to 24 and 41. About 40 such leaders are expected to attend TICAD V.