Policy Updates

On May 7, 2024, JICA signed a grant agreement with Kenya to provide grant assistance totaling approximately JPY3.1 billion (US$20 million) for the Project for Strengthening the Research Capacity of Kenya Medical Research Institute.

In response to the pressing need for enhanced medical research capabilities in Kenya and the African region, particularly in combating infectious diseases like COVID-19, the project aims to equip the institute with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment for research and early-response testing and diagnosis. By bolstering capacity, the initiative seeks to contribute to health crisis response efforts and promote public health in East Africa, aligning with UN SDG #3.

On April 30, 2024, JICA and the OECD signed a Memorandum of Cooperation reaffirming their longstanding cooperation and shared aim of contributing to the economic and social development of Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific regions.

As part of the agreement, Japan will provide US$9 million over the next three years to support the establishment of the Japan OECD - ASEAN Partnership Program. The program aims to dispatch OECD experts in areas such as infrastructure development and digitalization to support ASEAN’s economic growth.

On April 25, 2024, JICA finalized a loan agreement with the Turkish government, amounting to JPY60 billion (US$389 million), aimed at supporting the Emergency Earthquake Disaster Reconstruction Project to respond to the earthquake that struck southeastern Türkiye in February 2023, causing widespread damage to critical WASH infrastructure, housing, and emergency services.

The reconstruction project encompasses a wide range of initiatives, including the restoration of damaged infrastructure and the construction of new facilities. It will focus on rebuilding water and sewage systems, constructing local housing units, establishing emergency medical-care stations, and procuring new ambulances. The project aims to not only stabilize the lives of affected residents but also foster sustainable social and economic development in the impacted regions.

On April 25, 2024, Japan and Nigeria signed a JPY15 billion (US$97 million) loan agreement aimed at addressing Nigeria’s food security crisis by investing in agricultural infrastructure.

Under the terms of the grant, Nigeria will benefit from favorable conditions, including a low-interest rate and a lengthy repayment period of 30 years, with a grace period of 10 years. The loan is untied, allowing Nigeria flexibility in procuring necessary goods and services for its agricultural sector. By providing financial assistance for agricultural reforms, improved access to inputs for small-scale farmers, and enhancing domestic production capacity, Japan’s support seeks to contribute to the stability and development of Nigeria’s economy and society.

Japan’s commitment to aiding Nigeria’s food security aligns with its broader engagement in African development initiatives. At the TICAD8 in August 2022, Japan pledged to address food crises and support sustainable agricultural production in the region.

On April 23, 2024, Japan announced that it strengthened its ODA contributions in 2023, disbursing approximately US$19.6 billion, a 12% increase from 2022.

However, Japan has yet to meet the OECD DAC goal of 0.7% ODA/GNI.

Japan’s 2023 ODA included an allocation of US$4.1 billion to Ukraine, demonstrating its commitment to addressing humanitarian and developmental needs in conflict-affected regions. Additionally, Japan’s ODA to the West Bank and Gaza increased to US$1.4 billion in 2023, underscoring its ongoing engagement in the Middle East peace process.

Amidst these broader trends, Japan remains dedicated to its ODA objectives and actively engages in discussions with international organizations to coordinate efforts and address emerging challenges. Japan’s continued support for ODA initiatives, particularly in regions experiencing conflict and humanitarian crises, reflects its commitment to promoting global stability and prosperity through effective assistance programs.

On April 23, 2024, the government of Japan announced that it contributed an additional US$10 million to the WFP for food assistance operations in Gaza.

The funding will enable the WFP to distribute wheat flour to over 520,000 internally displaced people in Gaza, both within shelters and outside. Japan’s contribution forms part of its 'Emergency Grant Aid' and brings its total support to WFP operations in Palestine to US$21 million since the start of the conflict in October 2023.

A representative of the Japanese Ambassador for Palestinian Affairs emphasized the importance of this contribution in addressing the urgent food needs of vulnerable groups in Gaza, including women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

On April 19, 2024, the Japanese Finance Minister Shun’ichi Suzuki announced at the World Bank Spring Meeting that the government of Japan plans to establish a training center to enhance healthcare systems in developing countries, aiming to achieve UHC and ensure that everyone can access appropriate healthcare services at affordable costs.

This initiative follows the commitment made at the G7 Hiroshima Summit to achieve UHC by 2030. By collaborating with international organizations like the WHO and the World Bank, Japan intends to share its expertise and experiences in healthcare management and financing with officials from African and Southeast Asian countries.

The training center will provide programs focusing on Japan’s successful universal health insurance system and caregiving services, aiming to improve healthcare infrastructure and capacity in participating nations.

On April 16, 2024, in New Delhi, India, Japan announced additional grant assistance for the construction of the Royal Infectious Diseases Center in Bhutan totaling JPY758 million (US$5 million).

Bhutan faces challenges in its healthcare system, particularly in dealing with infectious diseases due to its aging infrastructure and inadequate medical equipment at its only infectious disease hospital, the Gidakhom National Infectious Diseases Hospital. Japan has pledged to construct the Royal Infectious Diseases Center under the direct control of the Bhutanese Ministry of Health, along with providing necessary medical equipment. The support aims to enhance the quality of diagnosis and treatment for infectious diseases, prevent the spread of infections, strengthen response capabilities during outbreaks, and foster expertise in infectious disease management.

Initially, Japan provided grant assistance amounting to JPY3 billion (US$19 million) in September 2022. However, due to inflation and other factors, the funding was deemed insufficient and the additional grant was allocated, bringing the total grant assistance to JPY3.8 billion (US$24 million).

On April 14, 2024, the C7 published a statement ahead of the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Capri from April 17-19, 2024, where the group called on the foreign ministers to take concrete action to promote human rights as well as the common interests of humanity and the planet.

The C7 advocated that the G7 ministers reaffirm their commitment to developing long-term peace-building strategies that address persistent structural challenges at the basis of conflicts, ensure food security even in fragile settings, and address a profound transformation of food systems. The group also called upon their governmental counterparts to ensure safe and regular migration channels and commit to protecting migrant rights.

On April 10, 2024, during Japanese Prime Minister Kishida’s Official Visit with State Dinner to the US, Japan emphasized its commitment to international cooperation in addressing pressing global challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Collaboration with the US spanned various areas, including climate change, infrastructure investment, and global health initiatives. Both nations expressed their intention to work together to ensure a successful outcome at the 29^th UNCCC and to certify quality infrastructure projects through the establishment of a Blue Dot Network Secretariat.

In the realm of global health, Japan welcomed the opening of the US CDC Regional Office for East Asia and the Pacific in Tokyo, aimed at strengthening core global health security capacities across the region. Additionally, discussions between the USAID and Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs centered on advancing shared global health priorities, reflecting a commitment to enhancing health outcomes in vulnerable populations worldwide.

Japan and the US also reaffirmed their dedication to diplomacy, development, and humanitarian assistance, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. This commitment is demonstrated through initiatives such as the Japan - US - Mekong Power Partnership and contributions to strengthen critical infrastructure and climate resilience in partner countries. The two nations pledged to collaborate on strengthening the international financial architecture to support low- and middle-income countries in addressing global challenges, including climate change and sustainable development.