Japan 's Official Development Assistance To Africa

The Official Development Assistance (ODA) from Japan hasbeen rendered to Africa since1950’s. With a development near60years, the scope and the quantity of assistances have increasedgradually. Now Africa has become one of the major areas whichreceive most of Japan’s ODA offer. By means of giving ODA toAfrica, Japan aims to expand its commodity and resource market inAfrica, strive for diplomatic support from Africa to fulfill its dream ofbeing a major political power and optimizing international image.Therefore, ODA to Africa is an important way for Japan to developJapan-Africa relations and increase its influence on Africa countrieseven as well as on the whole world.Firstly, the author makes a clear statement of the history andcurrent situation of Japan’s ODA to Africa. Secondly, the author givesemphasis on the idea and strategic aim of Japan’s ODA to Africa,summarizing its mechanisms and methods. Finally, the authorintroduces a case analysis, featuring as Tokyo InternationalConvention of Africa Development (TICAN). The paper consists offour parts:In the first part, the history and current situation are clearly stated,and grasp the development characteristics in different periods. Thedevelopment period of Japan’s ODA to Africa are divided into threestages in this part: initial period (1957-1973), adjustment period(1973-1990) and new development period (1991to date). Meanwhile,the current situation, scale and key project of Japan’s ODA to Africaare comparatively discussed. In the second part, the author mainly analyzes the idea andstrategic goal (aim) of Japan’ ODA to Africa. To begin with, theauthor draws the conclusion of the idea of Japan’s assistance toAfrica that the idea consists of humanitarianism, respecting country’sown endeavor, sharing Japan’s experience toward development,which reflect the combination of sharing international practice withJapanese idea. Besides expanding commodity and resource market aswell as improving its state image, the strategic goal of Japan’s ODAto Africa is also to meet its goal of being a major internationalpolitical power.In the third part, the author concludes the mechanisms andmethods of Japan’s ODA to Africa. The main mechanisms Japanboasts are bilateral and multilateral assistance mechanisms and themethods which mainly include no-reward capital or technicalassistance, emergency humanitarian assistance and Yen Loan.In the fourth part, the author analyzes the practice of the TICANwhich is on behalf of the mechanism of Japan’s ODA to Africa. From1993to2013, the TICAN has been successively held for five times.Through twenty years’ development, it has grown into a kind ofsustainable multi-dialogue mechanism leading by Japan from originalunbound forum. The convention now boasts its expanding scale,diversified participants and extensive agenda-setting, which has makegreat international influence and brought back corresponding politicaland economic rewards for Japan.