Africa, which continues to experience rapid population growth and economic development, holds significant potential to advance a sustainable blue economy that enhances marine and aquatic food production while promoting ecosystem health, biodiversity conservation, and socioeconomic equity. To foster international partnerships aimed at achieving sustainable development in Africa, advancing a sustainable blue economy, and strengthening food security, The Nippon Foundation, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, and the Sasakawa Africa Foundation convened the above-mentioned Eminent Persons Meeting and a Special International Symposium in June 2026, bringing together former Heads of Government and leaders of African regional organizations. A summary of the events is provided below. 

The Eminent Persons Meeting on Sustainable Blue Economy and Food Security in Africa was held in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, from June 23 to 25, 2026. The meeting aimed to discuss strategies for promoting effective policy implementation and international cooperation to address critical challenges, including food security and the sustainable blue economy in Africa. Discussions were held among the following distinguished former African Heads of State and Government, a former head of a regional institution, and executives of our foundations, all of whom have made significant contributions to sustainable development and international cooperation in Africa.
 

• Ameenah Gurib-Fakim (Former President of the Republic of Mauritius)
• Souleymane Ndéné Ndiaye (Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Senegal)
• Ibrahim Hassane Mayaki (Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Niger; African Union Special Envoy for Food Systems)
• Mehdi Jomaa (Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Tunisia)
• Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina (Former President of the African Development Bank)
• Yohei Sasakawa (Honorary Chairman of The Nippon Foundation and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation)
• Atsushi Sunami (President of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, SPF)
• Shuichi Suzuki (President of the Sasakawa Africa Foundation)
• Other senior executives and staff members of SPF

The meeting featured discussions on trends in fisheries, aquaculture, marine protected areas, and seafood trade in Africa, as well as policy measures, institutional frameworks, regional cooperation, and international partnerships for advancing a sustainable blue economy. Participants exchanged views on challenges related to eliminating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and enhancing maritime security, while exploring the applicability of Japan’s experiences and initiatives in these fields. They also discussed strategies for expanding international cooperation in support of capacity building, entrepreneurship, blue finance, and investment promotion. As a key outcome of the meeting, the participants adopted the “Statement of the Eminent Persons Meeting on Sustainable Blue Economy and Food Security in Africa” which contains a set of concrete recommendations.

On June 26, the Special International Symposium entitled “Sustainable Blue Economy and Food Security in Africa: Building Partnerships between Japan and Africa” was held at the International Conference Hall of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation Building. 

The symposium featured lively discussions on a wide range of key issues, including achieving synergies between marine conservation and the sustainable use of marine resources, valuing marine and coastal natural capital, commercial aquaculture, the issuance of blue bonds, and the promotion of entrepreneurship and startup development. Participants exchanged views on approaches to advancing a sustainable blue economy while strengthening food security and economic opportunities across Africa. 

In addition, Mr. Yohei Onishi, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, who delivered the opening remarks, was presented with the above-mentioned “Statement of the Eminent Persons Meeting on Sustainable Blue Economy and Food Security in Africa.” 

On June 26, the former African Heads of State and Government and the former head of a regional institution participating in the series of events paid a courtesy visit to Mr. Taro Aso, Former Prime Minister of Japan and Vice President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). During the meeting, they reported on the outcomes of the Eminent Persons Meeting and related events. In addition, Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of the Republic of Mauritius, presented Mr. Aso with the “Statement of the Eminent Persons Meeting on Sustainable Blue Economy and Food Security in Africa.” 

Mr. Aso expressed his expectation for strengthened cooperation between Japan and African countries to advance a sustainable blue economy and improve food security across the African continent. 

On June 26, our foundations hosted a commemorative gathering to mark the successful convening of the Eminent Persons Meeting on Sustainable Blue Economy and Food Security in Africa and the Special International Symposium. 

During the reception, Mr. Hirotaka Ishihara, Minister of the Environment of Japan, delivered congratulatory remarks and expressed his expectation for strengthened cooperation between Japan and African countries in advancing marine environmental conservation and the sustainable management of marine resources. 

The reception brought together a wide range of stakeholders engaged in Japan-Africa cooperation, including representatives from the private sector. Participants exchanged views and held informal discussions on opportunities to further deepen collaboration between Japan and Africa in the years ahead.