At the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, Japan, President William Ruto called for enhanced intra-African trade to combat extreme poverty. He emphasized implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and removing trade barriers.

• Current intra-African trade stands at a mere 15% of the continent's total trade, which President Ruto aims to increase to 50% by 2035.
• Key initiatives include reforming agriculture, establishing an African Credit Rating Agency, and bolstering public-private partnerships.
• A Statement of Intent regarding the Samurai Bond was signed between Kenya's National Treasury and Nippon Export and Investment Insurance of Japan.