President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will embark on a diplomatic mission to Japan and Brazil on Thursday, August 14, aimed at deepening economic ties, expanding investment opportunities, and strengthening bilateral relations with both countries.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the trip in a statement issued on Wednesday. According to the itinerary, Tinubu’s first stop will be Japan, where he is scheduled to participate in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama from August 20 to 22.
This year’s TICAD, themed “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa,” will focus on accelerating Africa’s economic transformation through private investment and innovation, improving institutional and business environments, and fostering a resilient and sustainable African society anchored on human security, peace, and stability.
While in Japan, President Tinubu will participate in plenary sessions, hold high-level bilateral meetings, and engage directly with chief executives of Japanese companies currently investing in Nigeria. The discussions are expected to explore fresh opportunities for partnership in key sectors, including infrastructure, technology, and energy.
Launched in 1993 by the Government of Japan and co-hosted by the United Nations, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the African Union Commission, and the World Bank, TICAD has served as a critical platform for dialogue and collaboration between Japan and Africa. The summit is held every three years, alternating between Japan and Africa, with the last edition taking place in Tunisia in August 2022.
Following the engagements in Japan, President Tinubu will proceed to Brasília for a two-day state visit from Sunday, August 24, to Monday, August 25, at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
In Brazil, the President will hold bilateral talks with his host, participate in a Nigeria-Brazil business forum with leading Brazilian investors, and lead a delegation comprising key ministers and senior government officials. The visit will also include the signing of new agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to expand cooperation in trade, agriculture, energy, and cultural exchange.
