Japan

Based on this commitment, using a straight-line trajectory from 2007 to 2012, Japan’s ODA target for 2010 (the deadline for the collective G8 Gleneagles commitment to sub-Saharan Africa), is ¥133 billion ($1.422 billion) for bilateral ODA, excluding bilateral debt relief.

Statement from head of state

‘Let us create a society in which children around the world no longer lose their lives to starvation, infectious disease, armed conflict or landmines. As a responsibility of the international community, we must secure for the world's children lives in which everyone can drink clean water, be free from discrimination and prejudice, enjoy protection of human rights and receive basic education.’

PRIME MINISTER YUKIO HATOYAMA 29 JANUARY 2010
SPEAKING AT THE 174TH SESSION OF THE DIET

‘The people in Africa and elsewhere in the developing world who suffer from hunger and poverty [...] what assistance can Japan provide to support the lives of such people? [...] Japan will assist efforts to overcome various hardships and to rebuild countries, listening also to views which are only quietly expressed in the international community and collaborating closely with the UN and other international organisations and the major countries concerned.’

FOREIGN MINISTER KATSUYA OKADA 29 JANUARY 2010
SPEAKING AT THE 174TH SESSION OF THE DIET

Overall assessment

Japan has almost reached its 2010 commitments to sub-Saharan Africa (made at Gleneagles and the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development – TICAD IV – in May 2008). In 2009 it increased its total ODA to the region by ¥32 billion ($341 million). ONE estimates that Japan will increase ODA to the region by an additional ¥46 billion ($498 million) in 2010, meaning that it will have met 149% of the bilateral increases it promised for 2010, and will have surpassed its 2012 target this year.

Despite setting weak targets, Japan’s ODA increases to sub-Saharan Africa in recent years (¥129 billion/$1.376 billion since 2004) demonstrate a growing commitment to poverty reduction in the region. Japan should solidify this commitment in 2010 by setting a transparent, ambitious target for future ODA increases that includes both bilateral and multilateral spending.

Within the G8, Japan has been a leader in providing technical assistance and support for water and sanitation improvements in the region. It has also been a consistent supporter of the Global Fund, providing $846.5 million between 2001 and 2008, the fourth largest contribution among single country donors. However, Japan is not on track to meet its commitments to cancel debt to the world’s poorest countries, and like the rest of the G8 is failing to deliver on its commitment to 'make trade work for Africa'.

Looking ahead

After five decades of virtually uninterrupted rule by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), in 2009 Japan saw the beginning of a new political era with the election of Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) president Yukio Hatoyama as Prime Minister. With a new government in place, Japan has the opportunity to revitalise its relationship with sub-Saharan Africa and to reposition development in Africa as a cornerstone of Japanese foreign policy. Development is one of five priority issues for Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada. Japan intends to announce a package of policies to promote the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in September 2010, with a focus on health and education. It is not yet clear if this will include the necessary new resources.

In 2010 Japan should set a new, more ambitious ODA commitment that includes a transparent baseline, target and allocation for sub-Saharan Africa, and encompasses both bilateral and multilateral spending. As part of this commitment, Japan should continue to increase its support for effective multilateral mechanisms, including the Global Fund, the GAVI Alliance (to which at present it is not a donor) and the new Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme (GAFSP) administered by the World Bank. Investing in multilateral mechanisms enables donors like Japan to leverage their contributions for maximum impact. In addition, Japan should explore new ways to support sustainable development on the continent by enhancing its traditional areas of expertise, such as technical assistance, and applying these to emerging priorities in sub-Saharan Africa, such as adaptation efforts and improving health data.

Finally, in the context of a changing global architecture and the elevation of the G20, Japan’s role as a regional leader has gained new relevance. Japan should continue to encourage emerging donors like China and South Korea to increase and improve their engagement in Africa, and should continue to host Trilateral Policy Consultations to enhance the partnership between Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

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