Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has described Africa as a “growth centre” and said now is the time to invest in the continent.
Speaking at the end of a three-day conference co-hosted with the African Union (AU), World Bank and UN on African development in Yokohama, Mr Abe (pictured) said, “Africa will be a growth centre over the next couple of decades until the middle of this century… now is the time for us to invest in Africa.
“Japan will not simply bring natural resources from Africa to Japan. We want to realise industrialisation in Africa that will generate employment and growth,” he added.
Japan pledged $32 billion in aid over the next five years to Africa, including money to tackle militants, create jobs and develop infrastructure.
“We hope to further support and continue to expand together with Africa. We hope to develop a win-win situation in our relationship,” Mr Abe said.
Image: © Getty
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