The Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) took place from August 20 to 22, 2025, in Yokohama, Japan, with participation from over 49 African countries and numerous heads of state. Japan, led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, co-chaired the conference, emphasizing a shift from aid to investment in Africa. Ishiba proposed a new economic zone initiative aimed at strengthening economic ties between Africa and countries bordering the Indian Ocean, positioning it as a countermeasure to China's growing influence in the region. The conference focused on co-creating innovative solutions leveraging Japanese technology to address social and economic challenges in Africa. Key themes included economic growth, human security, and peace and stability. Japan pledged to foster private-sector investment and announced plans to train 300,000 people in Africa in fields such as artificial intelligence. Throughout the three-day event, Ishiba held marathon bilateral meetings with around 30 African leaders and international organization representatives, including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. The conference concluded with the adoption of the "Yokohama Declaration," which reaffirmed the importance of a multilateral trade system and underscored Japan's commitment to expanded investment, industrial cooperation, and human resource development in Africa. Over 300 cooperation documents were signed between Japan and African partners, reflecting a comprehensive approach involving public-private partnerships to support Africa's economic development amid global geopolitical challenges.