Africa–Asia Knowledge Platform Launched to Strengthen Innovation and Public-Private Partnerships
The new platform builds on broader African Development Bank initiatives such as the Pan African University Phase 2 and the ENNOVA innovation ecosystem, which provides access to market intelligence, capacity-building, funding opportunities, and digital tools for innovators.
A ceremony in Tokyo has officially launched a new Africa–Asia Platform for Public-Private Partnership Initiatives, marking a significant step in strengthening knowledge exchange, innovation, and collaboration between the two regions. Hosted at the United Nations University, the event brought together senior leaders including Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank Group, Prof. Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria, and Dr. Teruo Fujii, President of the University of Tokyo. The African Development Bank led the roll-out with support from the two universities.
The platform is funded through Japan’s Policy and Human Resource Development Grant, a trust fund housed within the African Development Bank. It introduces several core components, including an Africa–Asia knowledge partnership, structured knowledge dialogue supporting private and public sector initiatives, and enhanced research capacity across both continents through inter-university collaboration.
Its launch follows commitments made during TICAD9 in Yokohama in August 2025, which emphasized co-creating innovative solutions between Africa and Asia. The new platform directly aligns with that vision, prioritizing shared learning and joint problem-solving.
The institution leaders highlighted the platform’s potential impact. They underscored the importance of linking Africa and Asia through modern partnership models that leverage universities, research networks, and public-private collaboration. The initiative is expected to support entrepreneurship, create economic opportunities for youth, and stimulate innovation-driven development.
The new platform builds on broader African Development Bank initiatives such as the Pan African University Phase 2 and the ENNOVA innovation ecosystem, which provides access to market intelligence, capacity-building, funding opportunities, and digital tools for innovators.
The Bank, the University of Pretoria, and the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Public Policy have committed to working together and engaging wider stakeholders to advance the platform’s goals. Their collaboration aims to strengthen skills development, support youth entrepreneurship, and promote innovation as central pillars of Africa’s sustainable growth.
