| TCSF English Newsletter No.13 |
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++++TCSF English Newsletter No.13++++ February 13, 2007
Viva! Africa: People's Network across Continents
Published by TICAD Civil Society Forum (TCSF)
http://ticad-csf.net/eng/index.htm
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Dear colleagues,
Our English newsletter contains information about TCSF's Activities and
Japanese support for Africa. We hope to strengthen our network with you
by sharing information about our activities. Thank you.
------------[Index]--------------
1. Feature Stories
- TICAD Process Watch
- Periodic Consultations on TICAD IV between MoFA and NGOs
- Africa 2008 Campaign-RUN FOR AFRICA
- NGO study group symposium "The Role of Network NGOs"
2. Topics of Japan-Africa Relations and Japan's Aid Support
- The First Meeting of the Commission on Promotion of Public-Private
Cooperation for TICAD and the Japan-Africa Exchange Year
- World Bank Africa Region Vice President says "Infrastructure Support
is to be an important theme of TICAD IV"
- Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan visited Tanzania
- Former Prime Minister attended AU Summit in Addis Abeba
- Ethiopian Civil Society handed their recommendations on Japan's ODA
to Mr. Mori
- White Paper on ODA 2007 includes "the rare metal project"
- Japan considers a threefold increase of ODA towards Africa
- The Japan Business Federation releases opinions about the development
of sub-Sahara Africa
- Other Topics
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[1] Feature Stories
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*TICAD Process Watch*
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A TICAD Watch Mechanism was suggested at the TICAD Regional Preparatory
Meeting held in Tunis from November 21 to 22, 2007 by the representative
of the African and Japanese civil societies, Mr. Gustave Assah (Chair of
Civic Commission for Africa: C-CfA).
The TICAD Ministerial Meeting will be held in Gabon from March 20 to 21.
2008 African and Japanese civil society organisations will hold a "Civil
Society Session" at the Ministerial Meeting as they did at the TICAD
Regional Preparatory Meetings held in Lusaka (October 2007) and Tunis
(November 2007).
The Civil Society will be given an opportunity to share the outcomes of
the civil society session during the plenary session of the Ministerial
Meeting. The revised "Voices of African and Japanese Civil Society" will
also be presented.
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* Periodic Consultations on TICAD IV between the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs (MoFA) and NGOs *
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"TICADIV-NGO Network (TNnet)"(secretariat TCSF), established in March
2007 for the forthcoming TICAD IV in Mayhas been periodically organising
the TICAD MoFA-NGO Consultative Meetings.
TCSF appreciates that the MoFA-NGO relationship is being built and more
senior MoFA officials have participated in recent meetings. The latest
periodic consultative meeting on December 21, 2007, was attended by Mr.
Shuichiro Megata, Director-General for Sub-Saharan African Affairs and
Mr. Koro Bessho, Director-General, International Cooperation Bureau.
MoFA and NGOs exchanged opinions about the "Voices of African and
Japanese civil societies" which was presented at the "Civil Society
Session" of the TICAD IV Regional Preparatory Meetings in Lusaka and
Tunis and the TICADIV-NGO network Symposium "Re-thinking African
Development from the point of view of Civil Society" in Tokyo last
October.
The minutes of the meetings are available at the TNnet website.
http://www.ticad-csf.net/TNnet/
http://www.ticad-csf.net/eng/documents/index.htm
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* Africa 2008 Campaign-RUN FOR AFRICA *
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TCSF's Africa 2008 Campaign hosted African runners, Mr. Henry Wanyoike,
a visually-impaired marathon runner from Kenya, and his escort runner,
Mr. Joseph Kibunja to the Lake Kawaguchi Nikkan Sports Marathon held in
November 2007 who were both sponsored by the Standard Chartered Bank
Tokyo Office.
For more information about the Africa 2008 Campaign, please see
http://www.africa2008.jp/event.html
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* NGO study group "The Role of Network NGOs" symposium*
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NGO study group "The Role of Network NGOs" sponsored by MoFA
(secretariat TCSF) organized the symposium "What Can Civil Society
Networks between the North and the South Do?" at National Olympics
Memorial Youth Center, Tokyo on November 22, 2007.
Dr. Hildegard Hagemann (VENRO/The German Commission for Justice and
Peace) from Germany and Mr. Litha Ogana (NEPAD Secretariat/AU, Advisor
on Gender, Parliamentary Affairs and CSOs) from Malawi were invited to
this symposium as guest speakers, where Japanese NGOs and intellectuals
exchanged opinions, notably on the difference between the roles of civil
societies in the north and the south.
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[2] Topics of Japan-Africa Relation and Japan's Aid Support
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* The First Meeting of the Commission on Promotion of Public-Private
Cooperation for TICAD and the Japan-Africa Exchange Year *
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MoFA held "the first meeting of the Commission on Promotion of
Public-Private Cooperation for TICAD and the Japan-Africa Exchange Year"
on December 7, 2008 in Tokyo. Representatives of the Government of Japan
and private companies gathered at the meeting. The government
representatives briefed participants on the present situation in Africa
and the preparations for TICAD IV. Private companies' representatives
expressed opinions about the importance of infrastructure maintenance,
support for education and personnel training as well as job creation by
direct investment through ODA.
Although it is called "Public-Private cooperation", "Private" includes
private companies but not civil society. TCSF raised this point during
the MoFA-NGO Periodic Consultation meeting on TICAD IV."Partnership of
Public and Private". TCSF thinks that "Public" should cooperate with the
wider "Private" sector which includes civil society organizations like
NGOs, local governments and schools which can play an important role in
"promoting exchanges between Africa and Japan".
For further information, please see
The First Meeting of the Commission on Promotion of Public-Private
Cooperation for TICAD and the Japan-Africa Exchange Year
http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2007/12/1176606_840.html
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* World Bank Africa Region Vice President says "Infrastructure Support
is to be an important theme at TICAD IV"*
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Africa Region Vice President of the World Bank Mrs. Obiageli "Oby"
Ezekwesili made a visit to Tokyo on December 12-14, 2008 where she spent
two days talking to a wide range of stakeholder in government, civil
society, business and the media. She made a passionate case for Africa
during a Foreign Correspondents' Club media luncheon.
"Japan is a very important, strategic international player in the world,"
Ezekwesili announced to a full house at the Foreign Correspondents' Club.
"It has a huge responsibility and it gives me great delight that the
people and the government of Japan recognize that responsibility towards
Africa should not be undervalued."
In making her case for continued and even more aggressive political
support for Africa, Ezekwesili called for Japan's expertise in the
infrastructure, education and telecommunications sectors to be put to
best use in its Africa programs.
TCSF members participated in the event and called attention to the
importance of enforcing support for Africa. Furthermore, they requested
the World Bank for more support in assuring civil society's
participation in TICAD. The World Bank's demand for increase of
financial contribution to International Development Association (IDA)
may not be well supported by the Japanese taxpayers without their
awareness and the World Bank's approach to civil society is important,
said a TCSF member during the meeting.
On December 14, 2007, Mr. Derek Byerlee, the co-author of the World
Bank's World Development Report 2008: Agriculture for Development,
accepted an interview by Sankei Shimbun, and emphasized the importance
of the agriculture investment expansion for African poverty reduction.
For further information, please see Africa High on Japan's Agenda in
2008
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/AFRICAEXT/0,,contentMDK:21598710%7EmenuPK:258657%7EpagePK:2865106%7EpiPK:2865128%7EtheSitePK:258644,00.html
Interview with Derek Byerlee on World Development Report 2008
http://discuss.worldbank.org/content/interview/detail/5184/
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* Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan visited Tanzania *
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Mr. Masahiko Koumura, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan visited
Tanzania 2-7 January.
Japan intends to undertake support for humanitarian crises and peace
building measures so as to consolidate peace on African soil and
alleviate Africa's humanitarian tragedies so far as possible. The
Africa-wide total of this aid package will amount to some 264.5 million
US dollars, or approximately 310 billion Tanzanian shillings.
During the meeting with President Kikwete, Foreign Minister Koumura
extended an invitation to TICAD IV. In return, President Kikwete not
only confirmed his intention to participate in the Conference but also
promised to encourage other African leaders to participate.
Mr. Koumura's original plan included a visit to Kenya. It was postponed
because of Kenya's after election disturbance. As Kenya is a recipient
of Japan's large support and Japan claims to play an active role in the
"consolidation of peace", the minister could have helped to mediate the
situation in Kenya.
Mr. Osamu Uno, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, visited Senegal and
Burkina Faso on 16- 24 December, 2007. Moreover, Mr. Yoshirou Mori,
ex-Prime Minister, will visit Ethiopia in February.
For further information, please see
Speech by H.E. Mr. Masahiko Koumura, Minister for Foreign Affairs of
Japan "Japan and Tanzania: Partners towards a Vibrant Africa"
http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/africa/tanzania/speech0801.html
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*Former Prime Minister attended AU Summit in Addis Ababa*
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Mr. Mori, the former Prime Minister attended the 10th AU summit held in
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia as a representative of the Japanese Government. In
his speech to the general assembly, he expressed that the African issues
to be the main agenda for TICAD IV and G8 Summit.
Mr. Mori's speech at the 10th AU Conference
http://www.africa-union.org/root/au/Conferences/2008/january/summit/speeches/Assembly/Ex%20PM%20Japan%2031jan08.doc
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*Ethiopian Civil Society handed their recommendations on Japan's ODA to
Mr. Mori*
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During Mr. Mori's stay in Ethiopia, He met the representative of
Ethiopian Civil Society and received the Voices of Ethiopian and
Japanese Civil Society towards TICAD IV. The voices were compiled based
on the outputs of the "Ethiopia-Japan Partnership Seminar", held in
Addis Ababa recently, where representatives of Ethiopian and Japanese
NGOs, Japanese Embassy, JICA Ethiopia Office gathered and discussed
Japan's ODA to Africa and Ethiopia.
Voices of Ethiopian and Japanese Civil Society
http://www.ticad-csf.net/eng/w-group/advocacy/action/mori-080130.htm
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* White Paper on ODA 2007 includes "the rare metal project" *
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MoFA included a section on "the metal business in Africa" in the ODA
white paper for 2007. Japan depends on Africa for many rare metals which
are indispensable for its high-tech industries. According to the
Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affair's website, Japan's import of rare
metals from Africa are cobalt(91%), manganese(70%), vanadium(52%) and
chrome(43%).
Recently, China whose resource demand has increased rapidly, is
conducting what is called "resource diplomacy". Japan also is moving
towards "resources diplomacy". In November 2007, the Minister of Economy,
Trade and Industry visited South Africa and Botswana and agreed to start
the investigation of rare metal with Botswana.
In the ODA White Paper for 2007, it is written clearly that it is
important for Japan with limited resources to propel cooperation with
the government and the private sector from the viewpoint of resource
security.
However, concern remains from the point of view of governance and the
impact on people's livelihoods. Participation of civil society in
resources management and monitoring should be considered.
Japan's ODA White Paper
http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/oda/white/index.html
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* Japan considers a threefold increase of ODA towards Africa *
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The Japanese Government is considering an increase of ODA towards Africa
from about 17 billion dollars in 2007 to triple this in 2013. In April,
2005, Mr. Junichiro Koizumi, ex-Prime Minister, pledged to double ODA
towards Africa in the following three years. The pledge is likely to be
accomplished.
Recently, China and Western countries initiated "resource diplomacy" with
the aim of the securing African oil and rare metals. In particular,
China allots more than 40% of all foreign support to Africa. The ODA
budget of Japan which has declined by 35% in the past 9 years, might be
increased for support to Africa as a counter measure against China’
recent move.
TCSF had requested that ODA to Africa be increased by four times in its
position paper published in August 2007 and has continued its lobbying,
which is seen to have influenced the government's decision. There is
concern that much of the increase of ODA may be through yen loans. TCSF
therefore requests that the loan component in ODA to Africa be limited
to 25% of the total.
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* The Japan Business Federation releases opinions about the development
of sub-Sahara Africa *
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Nippon Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) released its opinion about
the development of sub-Sahara Africa. The gist of their opinion is as
follows.
From the point of view that SADC (Southern African Development Community)
occupies an important position for African development in the future,
Nippon Keidanren dispatched a mission to South Africa and Angora on
October 11-18, 2007. The mission discussed with main cabinet ministers
in the two countries and inspected oil and LNG bases as well as the
national training center of the mine action center in Angola.
Through the meetings and the inspections, the investigation group reconfirmed
the possibility and the importance of Public-Private cooperation for
stability and prosperity of an economic society in the sub-Saharan
countries. On the basis of this mission, Nippon Keidanren think the
development of sub-Sahara Africa should be as follows.
1. Expansion of yen loans to Africa and quick disbursement
2. Supplement by yen loans with private sector-led projects
3. Increase elasticity of grant aid
4. Expand personnel training through technical cooperation
5. Utilize Japanese advanced technology, its experience and know-how in
support for Africa
6. Reinforce the official cooperation and the Public-Private cooperation
TCSF appreciates the attention to Africa by the Japanese business sector.
However caution should be given to their demand to the expansion of
loans. Their opinion on "public-private cooperation" also does not
consider civil society.
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* Other topics *
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Feb. 01
Statement by the Press Secretary on Inauguration of H.E. Mr. Jakaya
Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, as Chair
of the African Union (AU)
http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2008/2/1177507_980.html
Emergency Grant Aid for Kenyan Internally Displaced Persons
http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2008/2/1177505_980.html
Jan.30
Symposium "Building Peace - Japan and UN" (Summary)
http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/un/pko/symposium0801.html
Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public
Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan on the situation
following the presidential election in Kenya
http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2008/1/1177445_924.html
Jan.28
Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Japan and Sierra Leone
http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2008/1/1177346_924.html
Jan.24
Exchange of Notes concerning Grant Aid for Poverty Reduction Strategy to
the Republic of Ghana
http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2008/1/1177318_924.html
Jan.9
Statement by Press Secretary on the Implementation of the Comprehensive
Peace Agreement in Sudan
http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2008/1/1177107_924.html
Jan.5
Statement by Foreign Minister Koumura on lifting of the Situation in
Kenya
http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2008/1/1177044_924.html
Jan.1
Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public
Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan on the Situation
following the presidential and parliamentary elections in Kenya
http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2008/1/1176891_924.html
Dec.31
Visit of Mr. Masahiro Koumura, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan to
Kenya and Tanzania
http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/event/2007/12/1176875_862.html
Dec.21
FY2007 Official Development Assistance (ODA) White Paper
http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/fm_press/2007/12/1221.html
Exchange of Notes for Grant Aid (Food Aid) through the United Nations
World Food Programme (WFP) for the Republic of the Sudan
http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2007/12/1176750_840.html
Dec.12
Mr. Osamu Uno, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, to visit France,
Senegal and Burkina Faso
http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/event/2007/12/1176653_862.html
Dec.14
Establishment of the Fourth Tokyo International Conference for African
Development (TICAD IV) Secretariat
http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2007/12/1176720_840.html
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contact office@ticad-csf.net
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This newsletter was edited by the TCSF network working group.
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TICAD Civil Society Forum (TCSF)
http://ticad-csf.net/eng/index.htm
news@ticad-csf.net
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