The two parties announced this funding as part of the 4th phase of the initiative to strengthen
assistance to the private sector for Africa (Epsa4), on the sidelines of Ticad7 in Yokohama.
Japan and the African Development Bank announced on August 30, in Yokohama, a common goal
of more than 1,925 billion FCfa (3.5 billion dollars) within the framework of the 4th phase of the Initiative of
strengthening private sector assistance for Africa (Epsa4) whose transport, electricity and health are
the priorities.
It was on the sidelines of the 7th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (Ticad 7).
The two parties have set a target of 1.75 billion dollars each, for the period 2020-2022, in order to
strengthen the fourth phase of Epsa in order to stimulate sustainable and inclusive growth led by the
private sector in Africa.
“Building on the successes achieved so far, Japan and the Bank have decided to improve Epsa by
quality and quantity in order to meet the financial needs for the development of
infrastructure and private sector development in Africa,” said the Japanese Minister of
Finance, Keisuke Suzuki.
He was speaking at the Epsa4 launch ceremony in Yokohama, attended by
government officials and a high-level delegation from the Bank, as well as
representations of the business world. And Keisuke Suzuki added: "I hope that the new initiative
Epsa4 leads to business, investment promotion and job creation in Africa”.
For his part, Akinwumi Adesina, President of the AfDB, said: “Today marks another day for
celebrate the strong and impactful partnership between Japan and the African Development Bank”. And
Akinwumi Adesina to explain that "the African Development Bank and the Japan Development Agency
International Cooperation (Jica) are long-term partners for promoting the development of
Africa. Epsa4 helps provide much-needed support to the private sector.”
In its press release, the AfDB specified that the projects and programs corresponding to the three key priorities
will be formulated and implemented, in accordance with the Principles for Infrastructure Investment
G20 Quality Standards and the G20 Common Understanding on the Importance of Financing UHC in
developing countries. The Pan-African financial institution stresses that African countries will benefit
also support to improve and create favorable business environments that allow
to attract private investment.

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