#Japan #Tokyo #AI in Education #Sophia University #Africa Weeks

Africa Weeks 2026 at Sophia University

Sophia University, located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is set to host the Africa Weeks 2026 from May 8 (Friday) to May 25 (Monday). This year marks the 10th anniversary of the event, which aims to deepen understanding of Africa among high school students and the general public, making the continent feel closer and more relatable.

The theme for this year’s Africa Weeks revolves around the use of AI in African educational settings and the development of local talents to support Japan-Africa collaboration in infrastructure sectors. The event will include a symposium focused on these themes, along with a stimulating “Mock African Union (AU) Conference” where Japanese and African students collaborate as diplomats to draft policies.

Eight diverse programs are planned for this year, including a lecture by the Tunisian ambassador to Japan, a talk session discussing travel experiences in Africa, and presentations by faculty members showcasing African studies. These initiatives aim to provide multifaceted insights into Africa's current landscape.

Additionally, students involved in organizing Africa Weeks operate an official Instagram account where they share updates and insights about the events.

Key Programs

1. Symposium on AI in Education
- Date: May 19, 2026 (Tuesday), from 19:00 to 21:00
- Format: Hybrid (in-person and online)
- Venue: 2nd Building, 17th Floor International Conference Room
- The symposium will discuss the rapid expansion of AI in Africa and its implications, engaging experts from the UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (IICBA).

2. Symposium on Infrastructure Collaboration
- Date: May 13, 2026 (Wednesday), from 19:00 to 21:00
- Format: Hybrid
- Industry leaders from various sectors will discuss the infrastructure sector's role in sustainable development, particularly focusing on mobility and logistics.

3. Mock AU Conference
- Date: May 17, 2026 (Sunday)
- Details: Japanese and African students will work together as diplomats to tackle real policy challenges, followed by a networking event for students.

4. Tunisian Ambassador Lecture
- Date: May 18, 2026 (Monday), from 17:30 to 19:00
- Details: A lecture by Ambassador Ahmed Chafra celebrating 70 years of Japan-Tunisia diplomatic relations while exploring socio-economic scenarios in North Africa.

5. Cultural Seminar on Water and Life in Africa
- Date: May 24, 2026 (Sunday), from 15:00 to 17:30 (in Osaka)
- Details: Attendees will explore the richness of life in Africa through the lens of South African wine and discuss water resource development projects in the Egyptian desert.

6. Cultural Seminars in Africa Weeks
- Date: May 25, 2026 (Monday), from 19:00 to 21:00 (Online)
- Details: These seminars will involve collaborative projects with partner institutions presenting cultural and academic insights from various African countries.

Exhibition Activities

• - From now until late August, an exhibition titled “Sophia and Africa” will be held at the 1st-floor exhibition space of Building 6. Another exhibition featuring letters from partner universities across six African countries will also run until May 22.

Participation Information

Africa Weeks is open to the general public, and high school students are particularly encouraged to join. All events require prior registration on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, please visit the Sophia University Event Registration Site.

For inquiries regarding participation or media coverage, contact the Sophia University Africa Weeks Office at [email protected].

We eagerly welcome everyone to engage in these enlightening discussions and events that connect Japan and Africa.