#Bangladesh #JICA #Borderless Japan

Borderless Japan and JICA: A Partnership for Environmental Improvement in Bangladesh

On February 10, 2026, Borderless Japan Co., Ltd., based in Fukuoka, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Kyushu Center of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This partnership aims to address environmental issues in Bangladesh by dispatching personnel as part of the JICA Volunteer program. The goal is to utilize the expertise of Borderless Japan in creating social impacts and the established international cooperation know-how of JICA to tackle pressing social challenges in the region.

Background of the Partnership

Borderless Japan has long operated under the principle of resolving social issues through business. The company has accumulated experience in social entrepreneurship both domestically and internationally, including initiatives in Bangladesh. Specifically, they have focused on creating employment opportunities and addressing societal challenges within impoverished communities.

However, the rapid urbanization in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has led to significant challenges, especially regarding waste management and environmental degradation. It is in this context that the partnership was formed, leveraging JICA's extensive experience in international cooperation alongside Borderless Japan’s capabilities in project development and implementation. Together, they aim to achieve sustainable solutions for these pressing societal issues.

Summary of the Collaboration

Around ten employees from Borderless Japan are scheduled to be dispatched to Bangladesh as part of the JICA Volunteer program. The implementation period is set from August 2027 to April 2033. The team will be primarily assigned to the Waste Management Department of the South Dhaka City Hall, where their main activities will focus on:

• - Supporting waste management operations
• - Promoting environmental beautification initiatives
• - Collaborating with local communities to find solutions to social issues

The employees sent to Bangladesh will not only work towards solving local social challenges, but they will also return to Japan post-service with invaluable experiences as JICA volunteers, contributing their insights and knowledge back to Borderless Japan's existing social business projects. This will allow for further social impacts in their operations.

Key Points of the Initiative

This initiative represents a novel approach that combines international cooperation with social entrepreneurship. Borderless Japan’s personnel will be involved in every phase of the project, from research and planning to execution and improvement, with the intent of creating a sustainable framework that can continue functioning effectively in the local context. They are considering not just new recruits for this initiative but also the deployment of existing employees.

Future Prospects

With the insights gained from this collaboration, Borderless Japan anticipates expanding their model to other regions and countries beyond Bangladesh in the future. The company remains committed to solving social issues through their business practices, pushing for the realization of a sustainable society through innovative social business approaches.

About JICA

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) serves as a primary implementing body for Japan's government development assistance (ODA), tasked with addressing challenges in developing countries through technical cooperation, loans, and grants. Operating in over 150 nations and regions, JICA collaborates with international partners to tackle global challenges, contributing to global peace and prosperity while further enhancing Japanese society.

About Borderless Japan

Borderless Japan was established in 2007 with the singular focus on addressing social issues through social business. With over 50 active projects spanning various social challenges like poverty, environment, education, and gender, the company has made notable impacts in 14 countries worldwide. Anticipating a sales figure of 10 billion yen in the fiscal year 2024, the company has been recognized for fostering a thriving ecosystem for social entrepreneurs. Among its accolades are the Good Design Award in the Business Model category (2019) and the Special Judge's Prize at the