A bold new initiative is set to revolutionize the entrepreneurial landscape in Africa, and it’s a collaboration that might just surprise you. Japan and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have joined forces to create the Africa-Asia Platform, a groundbreaking project aimed at empowering youth through knowledge exchange and innovation.
But here’s where it gets controversial… or at least, it might spark some interesting debates. This platform is all about bridging the gap between two continents, Africa and Asia, through a reciprocal exchange of technology and ideas. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about Africa learning from Asia, but a true partnership where both sides benefit.
On Friday, the AfDB announced the launch of this ambitious project, with a ceremony held at the United Nations University in Tokyo. Key figures in attendance included Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank Group, Prof. Francis Petersen from the University of Pretoria, and Dr. Teruo Fujii, President of the University of Tokyo. This event marked the beginning of a journey that could shape the future of African entrepreneurship.
The Africa-Asia Platform is supported by the Policy and Human Resource Development Grant (PHRDG), a trust fund within the African Development Bank. It consists of several key components, including the establishment of an Africa-Asia knowledge partnership, initiatives to support knowledge dialogue in both private and public sectors, and the strengthening of research capabilities through inter-university collaboration.
This initiative is a direct outcome of the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) held in Yokohama, Japan, in August 2025. The conference theme, ‘Co-create innovative solutions with Africa’, aligns perfectly with the platform’s focus on knowledge sharing.
The leaders of the institutions involved shared their thoughts on this exciting development:
Dr. Ould Tah: “The Africa-Asia Platform for New Public-Private Partnership Initiatives is a significant step forward in our collaboration. The success of this project will demonstrate the power of innovative partnerships between Africa and Asia, and the positive impact they can have. By empowering our youth as drivers of change, we can create a vibrant African market, attract investments, and address critical issues like unsafe migration and insecurity.”
Prof. Petersen: “Partnerships between Asian and African countries offer a unique opportunity for collaboration. While there are geographic and institutional differences, universities can play a crucial role in bridging these gaps. With their ability to produce interdisciplinary knowledge, establish local and global networks, and bring people together, universities are ideally positioned to drive this initiative.”
Dr. Teruo Fujii: “The Africa-Asia Platform will be a catalyst for knowledge exchange, connecting researchers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. It will foster new business partnerships, joint research on public policy, and provide opportunities for students and young professionals to learn and grow together across continents.”
This initiative builds upon existing Bank Group projects like the Pan African University Phase 2 and the ENNOVA project, an AI-powered platform that offers market studies, capacity-building, and financial opportunities to stakeholders. The leaders of the implementing organizations have pledged their commitment to cooperate and achieve the platform’s objectives, promoting skills development and entrepreneurship for Africa’s sustainable future.
So, what do you think? Is this a step in the right direction for African development? Or are there potential challenges and considerations that we might be missing? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!