Japan to double aid to Africa by 2012
Japan to double its foreign aid to Africa over the coming five years to promote the continent's development.
By Agencies |
TOKYO: Japan will double its foreign aid to Africa over the coming five years through 2012 to promote the continent's development with the aim of improving infrastructure and agricultural productivity, Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda said on Tuesday.
The announcement, which came in an apparent attempt to prove Japan's commitment just a week ahead of Japan's hosting of the May 28-30 Tokyo International Conference on African Development, or TICAD, in Yokohama, also said official development assistance will be proactively used to support dou bling private-sector direct investment in Africa by 2012.
Japan plans to raise its annual ODA to Africa to about 200 billion yen in 2012, Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura said at a news conference.
If realised, the amount would be double the average of 100 billion yen in 2003-2007.
The five-year total for 2008-2012 would also mark a net increase of 300 billion yen over 2003-2007.
"Japan will double its ODA. to Africa by 2012 in order to promote African development, focused mainly in building road networks and other infrastructure, improving reproductive healthcare, raise agricultural productivity including doubling rice production and provide safe drinking water," Fu kuda said at a meeting for Cabinet ministers concerned.
To show his leadership, Fukuda said, "We have agreed on this ambitious initiative to support African development at TICAD.
"Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura, who attended the meeting, told reporters that the increase in aid will include both grants and yen loans."
The announcement, which came in an apparent attempt to prove Japan's commitment just a week ahead of Japan's hosting of the May 28-30 Tokyo International Conference on African Development, or TICAD, in Yokohama, also said official development assistance will be proactively used to support dou bling private-sector direct investment in Africa by 2012.
Japan plans to raise its annual ODA to Africa to about 200 billion yen in 2012, Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura said at a news conference.
If realised, the amount would be double the average of 100 billion yen in 2003-2007.
The five-year total for 2008-2012 would also mark a net increase of 300 billion yen over 2003-2007.
"Japan will double its ODA. to Africa by 2012 in order to promote African development, focused mainly in building road networks and other infrastructure, improving reproductive healthcare, raise agricultural productivity including doubling rice production and provide safe drinking water," Fu kuda said at a meeting for Cabinet ministers concerned.
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To show his leadership, Fukuda said, "We have agreed on this ambitious initiative to support African development at TICAD.
"Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura, who attended the meeting, told reporters that the increase in aid will include both grants and yen loans."
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