New initiatives aim to build resilience and competitiveness in an increasingly volatile global economy.
As geopolitical fragmentation, maritime disruption and climate shock redefine global trade, Japan and UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) are intensifying their strategic cooperation to help developing countries build resilience and reposition themselves within changing value chains.
As announced in Geneva by UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan and Ambassador Atsuyuki Oike of Japan, three initiatives approved for implementation in 2026 will strengthen economic governance, supply chain resilience and diversification in Africa.
This partnership comes at a pivotal moment. Developing economies face persistent instability in maritime transport, particularly disruptions in the Red Sea, as well as the volatility of commodity markets, while constantly seeking to better value natural resources. New initiatives respond directly to these structural challenges.
Transforming critical minerals into diversification
An initiative will support a selected developing country in the transformation of its critical minerals for the energy transition into a broader economic transformation.
Based on previous analytical work supported by Japan, UNCTAB will assess opportunities for value creation and diversification within and beyond the value chain of critical minerals for the energy transition, strengthen policy frameworks and promote broad industrial development.
As the demand for minerals essential to the energy transition accelerates, resource-rich developing countries must make a strategic choice: remain exporters of raw materials or move up the value chain.
The initiative aims to help transform mineral wealth into jobs, increasing the technological range and more resilient growth.
Smarter supply chains to protect food security
A second initiative targets transport and maritime vulnerabilities that threaten food security, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
The recent instability of global shipping routes and the recurrence of climate-related disruptions have revealed the fragility of import-dependent food systems.
UNCTAD will develop a scenario-based customized simulation tool, integrating global shipping data with national and local transportation networks.
Decision-makers will be able to model disruption scenarios, identify bottlenecks and assess responses — from the modernization of rural roads and port operations to the diversification of import routes.
Combined with targeted training, the project will strengthen the institutional capacity to respond quickly to shocks and to preserve food availability and accessibility.
Strengthen consumer protection for market confidence
The third initiative will consolidate consumer product safety frameworks in a developing country selected through regulatory support, institutional capacity building and dialogue with stakeholders.
In a context of fragmented standards and increasingly complex regulation, effective consumer protection systems are essential for market confidence and integration into regional and global value chains. Strengthened frameworks contribute to consumer protection while supporting competitiveness.
A strategic response to structural challenges
Japan has long been cooperating with UNCTAD to promote sustainable and inclusive development. The initiatives planned for 2026 show a common commitment to equip developing countries with the policy tools, data and institutional capacities necessary to cope with a more uncertain global economy.
Ambassador Oike said Japan wishes to continue to provide significant projects in cooperation with UNCTAD, for the benefit of the populations of developing countries.
As supply chains restructure and uncertainty becomes structural, Japan-UNCTAD cooperation aims not only to mitigate risks, but also to help developing economies seize new opportunities offered by a changing global landscape.
source : unctad
