20SOPHIA MAGAZINE Vol. 18Along with Japan, not only China and Western countries, but also countries in the Global South, such as Brazil and Saudi Arabia, are beginning to take a serious interest. In the case of Japan, large Japanese companies – which have tradi-tionally focused on resource-related businesses – have started in-vesting in sectors such as food and communications, which grow in tandem with the population. Mid-sized companies are also ex-panding into Africa as part of their business transformation for survival and growth. Moreover, there are significant numbers of young Japanese entrepreneurs who now operate start-ups in Africa.It is noteworthy that young entrepreneurs around the globe are coming to Africa. In my conversations with them, I’ve noticed that they are motivated not only by business opportunities but also by the excitement of contributing and witnessing social changes Africa at the Global ForefrontNomoto: By 2050, the population of Africa is expected to reach 2.5 billion, accounting for a quarter of the world’s population. Given that, Africa is becoming increasingly important economi-cally and politically. Countries around the world are now paying more attention to Africa. induced by their action. They find it rewarding that they can make tangible differences and witness their effects in the short term.Terumichi: In the past, Africa was seen as a region that needed aid and support. Our educational approach considered how Africa could change by the time our students become the core generation in 20 years. However, as you point out, times have changed and this is no longer the case.Africa is now at the forefront of dramatic social change. It is poised to be the most rapidly developing region of the world. For young people, it is the site of an emerging new society. At the same time, without doubt, there are still regions and people in Africa that surely need support. In terms of the global issue of inequality, Africa seems to be taking a lead and showing promise. I believe Africa should be our top priority now.Nomoto: I fully agree that Africa is at the forefront in both devel-opment and addressing inequality. In terms of economic growth, Africa will surely achieve it in the medium and long term. The question is how fast it will grow and develop. Terumichi: I am convinced that Africa will develop at a pace un-precedented in human history. The speed and scale of growth is completely different from that of Southeast Asian countries once viewed as developing countries. Nomoto: It is often noted that Africa’s development path dif-fers from the conventional path. The basic development process in Europe, the US, and Asia has been a transition from agriculture to light industry, then to heavy industry and then the service sector. Africa, however, has primarily developed around the service sec-tor where the youth is a driving force. Terumichi: I agree with your point that the younger generation is leading the way. For example, during Japan’s rapid economic growth, it was the generation of people in their 50s who drove the economy. In contrast, it is the youth who will be the key players in Africa’s future growth. Several years ago, I led a group of students to Cameroon. I asked TAKAAKI NOMOTO
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