The sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI) will be held in Nairobi on Aug. 27 and 28, where political and business leaders from around the world will discuss various issues facing the continent.

Over the past 23 years since TICAD I was held in Tokyo, the conference has evolved into a new phase as the African economy has grown rapidly during this time. Still, Africa faces challenges such as income disparity and political instability. TICAD VI is the first TICAD meeting to be held outside Japan.

Ahead of the conference, The Japan Times organized a symposium to discuss TICAD, the situation in Africa and Japan-Africa relations, at the Tokyo headquarters of The Japan Times on June 3.