afrol News, 16 May - As part of its efforts to help Africa conquer poverty, Japan plans to boost private sector growth and human resource development as well as primary education, health and clean water supply. Japan is to double its financial assistance to Africa within five years.

On 28 May, Japan is to host a meeting with African leaders in Yokohama, South of the capital Tokyo.

Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda is expected t use the Tokyo International Conference on African Development to raise the curtain on the package. About 40 African leaders are expected to attend the fourth round of the Tokyo conference.

Japan, one of the biggest partners of Africa, plans to do a lot for the development of the continent, including providing technology and infrastructure support to increase food production in sub-Saharan countries.

Known for using aid as a diplomatic hook, Japan that at one point became the biggest world aid provider, pumps US $1.7 billion as aid to African nations in 2007.

Japan is also providing technical aid to many African countries, especially in the area of telecommunications development. Its aid to Africa has been under review since 1997.

The Asian country has been an active contributor to the development of world economies, as evidenced by its leading efforts to create partnership between donors and developing countries.

China and India are also competing well to increase their relations with countries of the natural resources-opulent, but poverty-striken continent where majority of the people live below the poverty line.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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