A Look at Human Resource Development Connecting Japan and Africa at TICAD9

Japan and Africa: Bridging the Gap through Human Resource Development

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in cooperation with International University and Kobe Institute of Computing, held a hybrid event on August 20, 2025, at the JICA Yokohama Center focused on the ABE Initiative and its role in developing human resources between Japan and Africa. This event is part of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).

The objective of this thematic event was to reflect on the achievements of the ABE Initiative since its inception in 2013 and to explore its significance and future prospects. To date, the initiative has successfully nurtured around 1,900 young Africans, helping to produce human resources that act as a bridge between the two regions in business and mutual understanding. TICAD9 marks a pivotal moment, presenting the achievements up to ABE Initiative 3.0 and unveiling the vision for ABE Initiative 4.0 and a framework called TOMONI Africa, which aims to promote the circulation of human resources between Japan and Africa.

Opening the event, JICA's Special Advisor, Miihara, highlighted the initiative’s contributions towards enhancing mutual understanding and business development between Japan and Africa. Guest speaker, Congressman Aizawa from the Liberal Democratic Party, expressed his optimism regarding the future of this program.

The event comprised three parts including presentations and panel discussions, with participants engaging actively.

In his keynote address, Matsumura from JICA's Africa Department illustrated the developmental journey of the ABE Initiative. Following this, three presenters showcased the outcomes of ABE Initiative 3.0. Researcher Kaizuka from JICA Ogata Research Institute presented three examples of successful graduates thriving in diverse sectors. He identified “propositionality” as a common trait among these achievers, noting that rising to decision-making positions enabled them to exert influence based on their experiences in Japan.

Furthermore, Matsumoto from Asentia Holdings shared case studies of businesses co-created with alumni, specifically a franchise of coin laundries expanding in Africa. He emphasized that by delivering what local populations truly desire, both alumni and Japanese firms can thrive in the region.

CEO Yokoyama from Axel Africa stressed the importance of maintaining connections with alumni after their return, advocating for an ecosystem that assists Japanese companies operating in Africa.

The next segment featured Matsumura revealing the implementation policy for ABE Initiative 4.0 and TOMONI Africa. He articulated the goal of training 3,000 individuals over the next six years, proposing to enhance internship opportunities with Japanese businesses and expanding Japanese language education. Regarding TOMONI Africa, he discussed initiatives like the “Japan-Africa Youth Camp” aimed at enhancing mutual human resource circulation.

Additionally, Yamauchi, Chairperson of the Toda International Foundation, echoed the need to equip African students with useful skills by offering opportunities that teach Japanese cultural and business practices, fostering their confidence and motivation.

The latter part of the event included a panel discussion moderated by Vice-President Naito of Kobe Institute of Computing. The dialogue involved five panelists, including alumni and Japanese students with exchange or internship experiences in Africa. They reflected on their ABE experiences, discussing implications for career development and collaborative challenges between Japan and Africa.

Panelists unanimously agreed that their ABE experiences were transformative, equipping them with intercultural communication skills and newfound confidence. Japanese students mentioned that their time in Africa expanded their comfort zones, instilling a belief that they could accomplish anything.

As proposals for improvement, discussions stressed the lack of adequate knowledge among Japanese regarding Africa and the importance of education in universities and companies. Participants urged Japanese entrepreneurs to visit Africa and emphasized the necessity of increasing the number of human resources who can serve as a bridge between Japan and Africa.

Closing remarks were provided by Vice-President Kato from International University, reiterating the importance of mutual learning between Japanese and African youth, and acknowledging the necessity of nurturing a relationship of equality for shared growth.

This event not only reaffirmed the accomplishments of the ABE Initiative but also marked a significant step toward the next stage of development. Moving forward, JICA remains committed to unlocking the full potential of youth while fostering a better future through collaboration between Japan and Africa.