Conakry is working to deepen its engagement with Japan, even as the West African nation finds itself excluded from the upcoming Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).
Like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger countries that have also experienced recent military takeovers,Guinea was not officially invited to participate in the high-profile Japan-led development forum. The absence reflects Tokyo’s policy of limiting direct engagement with governments that came to power through unconstitutional changes.
Yet, despite this setback, Guinea has sought to maintain open lines of communication with Japan. According to officials in Conakry, bilateral dialogue is ongoing, with both sides exploring areas of mutual interest, particularly in infrastructure, agriculture, and renewable energy. “TICAD may not be an option for now, but Japan remains an important partner. We are pursuing bilateral channels,” a Guinean government source said.
Japan’s Past Role in Guinea’s Development Japan has historically been an important development partner for Guinea. Through its international aid agency, JICA, Tokyo has supported projects in health, education, fisheries, and water management. Notably, Japan has played a role in strengthening Guinea’s port infrastructure and improving food security through agricultural support programs.
These contributions have made Japan a valued partner in Conakry, where officials are keen to ensure that cooperation continues despite political turbulence at home. Analysts note that maintaining ties with Japan could help Guinea secure both technical expertise and financial support, particularly in sectors critical to the country’s economic diversification.
Diplomatic Balancing Act Guinea’s transitional government, led by Colonel Mamady Doumbouya since the September 2021 coup, has faced increasing pressure from regional and international partners to set a clear timetable for a return to civilian rule. Exclusion from forums like TICAD illustrates the cost of political instability.
However, Guinea has been careful to avoid complete diplomatic isolation. In addition to its ongoing dialogue with Japan, Conakry has recently strengthened ties with Russia, China, and Turkey—countries that have shown more flexibility in dealing with military-led regimes. By keeping channels open with Tokyo, Guinea signals its desire to balance these new partnerships with its traditional links to the West and Asia.
Japan’s Strategic Calculus For Tokyo, the decision to continue engaging with Conakry outside of TICAD reflects a pragmatic calculation. Japanese companies have long expressed interest in West Africa’s mineral wealth, particularly Guinea’s vast bauxite reserves, which are among the largest in the world. Ensuring a degree of stability and cooperation in Guinea is seen as essential for safeguarding potential investments and keeping trade routes open.
Moreover, Japan’s policy of cautious but sustained dialogue allows it to maintain influence in the region, without appearing to legitimize military governments. “Japan understands that Guinea’s political transition may take time. By keeping communication alive, Tokyo positions itself as a partner ready to step in when the climate improves,” said a West Africa-based diplomat.
Looking AheadWhile Guinea’s absence from TICAD 9 highlights the country’s strained relations with some international partners, its pursuit of bilateral cooperation with Japan underscores its determination to remain engaged on the global stage. For Conakry, the priority is to ensure that strategic partnerships are not derailed by the current political situation.
As Guinea navigates its transitional period, the future of its relationship with Japan may hinge on how quickly it can return to constitutional order. Until then, both sides appear intent on preserving cooperation, albeit through alternative channels.
