The Japanese government on Saturday pledged to provide 2 billion US dollars to support resource development projects by Japanese companies in Africa over the next five years, local media reported.

The plans were announced during a meeting that brought together ministers and representatives from Japan and 15 African countries in charge of resource issues. The event was held ahead of a summit- level international conference on African development next month in Yokohama.

The government also plans to promote the development of human resources in Africa, with the goal of training 1,000 people over the next five years. It also offers cooperation in the areas of environmental protection at mine sites and worker safety, said Kyodo News Agency.