Japan will push for women to take leading roles in peacemaking at a ministerial meeting on African development to be held in Tokyo next weekend, sources familiar with the matter said on Saturday.

The new initiative will focus on the Horn of Africa, a conflict-torn region in the eastern part of the continent, and will be based on a trading bloc of eight African countries called the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IZD).

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, who will chair the ministerial meeting of the International Conference on African Development in Tokyo on August 24 and 25, is pushing forward the “Women, Peace and Security” agenda, which emphasizes women’s participation in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa (right) shakes hands with her Mauritanian counterpart Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug before their talks on April 17, 2024, in Capri, Italy, on the sidelines of a meeting of G7 foreign ministers. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

The TICAD Ministerial Meeting will include three sessions on society, peace and stability, and the economy, as well as discussions over lunch.

Kamikawa is expected to highlight Japan’s recognition of Africa as an “important partner” following her visit in April. The meeting is expected to reaffirm cooperation in areas such as strengthening the rule of law, healthcare, waste management and combating landmines.

The effective use of advanced technologies such as digital and artificial intelligence will also be on the agenda of the ninth TICAD Summit to be held in Yokohama in August next year.

The business session will feature business representatives and there will also be a panel discussion on local startups.

The ministerial meeting will be accompanied by sessions focusing on six key themes for the future of Africa, giving citizens and private companies the opportunity to participate in the discussions.