AFRICA | JAPAN
Japan International Cooperation Agency

For Japan, development aid is equal parts strategy and altruism. Aid wins influence that its constitutionally-limited military cannot. Friendly relations with mineral- and petro-exporters ensure a steady supply of energy and raw materials to resource-hungry Japan.

Aid to Africa has become something of a competition between the two economic giants of Asia, China and Japan. Unlike Beijing, Tokyo cannot draw from a seemingly bottomless purse; Japan's strengths are its superior achievements in technology, agriculture and health. The new and streamlined Japan International Cooperation Agency is determined to bring these strengths to Africa.