The African Development Bank (AfDB), in partnership with Japan, has officially launched the Africa–Asia (A–A) Platform, a new initiative aimed at promoting knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship between Africa and Asia.
The launch ceremony took place at the United Nations University in Tokyo, with attendance from key leaders including Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank Group; Prof. Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Pretoria; and Dr. Teruo Fujii, President of the University of Tokyo. The initiative is supported by the Policy and Human Resource Development Grant (PHRDG), Japan’s trust fund within the AfDB.
The A-A Platform will focus on establishing a knowledge partnership between Africa and Asia, promoting collaboration in both public and private sectors, and strengthening research capacity through inter-university networking. The platform also aims to enhance youth entrepreneurship by providing access to technological tools, research opportunities, and innovation networks.
Dr. Ould Tah described the initiative as “the next frontier of collaboration between Africa and Asia,” emphasizing its potential to create quality jobs, attract investments, and address socio-economic challenges while fostering a secure and prosperous future.
Prof. Petersen highlighted the role of universities in bridging institutional and geographic gaps between the continents, stating that higher education institutions are central to driving innovation through global and local networks.
Dr. Fujii added that the platform will link researchers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, facilitating joint business partnerships, collaborative research on public policy, and opportunities for students and young professionals to exchange knowledge across continents.
The Africa–Asia Platform complements existing AfDB innovation projects, including Pan African University Phase 2 and the ENNOVA Project, an AI-powered innovation and entrepreneurship platform providing capacity-building, market studies, financial resources, and prototyping tools.
The initiative is expected to strengthen Africa’s innovation ecosystem, promote sustainable development, and expand opportunities for youth-led entrepreneurship.
