South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called on African nations to prioritize and expand intra-continental trade to drive the continent's economic development. The President made the remarks at the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Japan.

In his address, President Ramaphosa emphasized that Africa's focus has shifted from seeking foreign aid to forging partnerships that support sustainable development and industrial growth. He highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a key mechanism for strengthening these commercial ties.

He described Japan as a crucial partner for the continent, stating that the partnership between Africa and Japan would specifically help bolster the industrial sector. This collaboration, he noted, aligns with Africa’s new vision of taking charge of its own economic future by strengthening trade relationships both within the continent and with global partners.