Japan to double aid to Africa

TOKYO, May 20 (UPI) -- Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda announced plans for Japan to double its aid to Africa to $1.9 billion by 2012 from the current total of about $900 million.

The step is needed to promote the continent's development through infrastructure improvement and higher agricultural productivity, Fukuda said, Kyodo news service reported.

The announcement on Japan's commitment comes as the country prepares to host the Tokyo International Conference on African Development at the end of this month Yokohama.

The new aid program will be proactive, designed to help double private-sector direct investment in Africa by 2012.

Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura said the increase in aid will include both grants and loans.

Japan is also keen to secure resources in Africa as well as win support from African nations for its bid to gain a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council, the Kyodo report said.