AIM Congress 2025 organized the ‘Japan Talks: Innovations Shaping the World’ session where Japanese thought leaders presented next-generation technology and industrial innovation. Miho Sato, Deputy Manager of Yokosuka Research Park (YRP), presented Japan's development of smart city-oriented 6G. "We are developing the infrastructure to enable future urban innovation through 6G and joint R&D", stated Sato.
Rashid Al Teneiji, Director of International business Development at the UAE Ministry of Economy, called for greater UAE-Japan cooperation. "I hope today's discussion will act as a launchpad for stronger cooperation between Japan and the UAE", he added.
Hiroshi Miura, NTT DATA Group Senior Manager, spoke on the technology of IOWN in international data transmission, stating, "IOWN makes high bandwidth and low latency possible through light-based data transfer on the cusp of revolutionizing industries such as finance and health". Director of NIFCO Inc., Takaaki Nakamura, spoke of sustainable manufacturing and NIFCO's extensive product influence. "You can't walk more than a metre in Japan without being beside a NIFCO product", Nakamura says.
In addition, the Africa Regional Forum on the theme ‘From Zones to Impact: African SEZs Reimagined’ brought together major voices to explore the transformation of SEZs into innovation-focused, inclusive, and integrated economic ecosystems.
Laura Paez, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), highlighted that Africa's SEZs have increased from 20 in the 1990s to more than 237 by 2020, but most are struggling with diversification and infrastructure.
"There are over 200 SEZs in operation on the continent today, with mixed success. The new SEZ 2.0 model focuses on technology, regional integration, and local value creation connected to development objectives", Paez added.
Jasveer Singh, Director of Arise IIP Clusters, prioritised inclusive industrialisation through public-private partnerships. He added, "We concentrate on mapping industrial gaps and facilitating value-added production at scale by way of public-private partnerships. Our zones aren't merely industrial parks they are inclusive economic transformation platforms".
Dr. Manuel Francisco Pedro, Luanda-Bengo SEZ, Angola Chairman, emphasized better governance and infrastructure, observing, "SEZs need to be connected to AfCFTA ambitions to propel intra-African trade, standardise, and make a consistent investment environment. Strong governance and institutional support are central".
