Kyoto University, in collaboration with the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS), is implementing the Innovative Africa Program (IAfP): Educational Networking Programs for Human Resource Development in Africa’s SDGs this is funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). As part of this initiative, a meeting of the 4th Africa-Japan Advanced Human Resource Development Support Committee/External Evaluation Committee and the 4th Africa-Japan Practical Organization-University Exchange was held in a hybrid format at the World Bank Tokyo Development Learning Center on December 19, 2024. A total of 74 participants attended the event, including members of the Africa-Japan Advanced Human Resource Development Expert Committee, representatives from ten universities implementing the program, and companies and other organizations.
In the first session, representatives from each participating university reported on the progress of their respective IAfP initiatives. As the project was set to conclude in the 2024 fiscal year, presentations were also made on efforts to ensure the program’s continuation beyond its initial term.
Following these presentations, external evaluation committee members comprising of experts on Africa from the NPO Terra Renaissance, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Ashinaga Foundation, the World Bank, and the Toyota Tsusho Corporation presented evaluations and engaged in detailed discussions. A lively exchange of thoughts took place regarding the program’s achievements and future challenges, offering key insights regarding its ongoing impacts.
The second session began with opening remarks by Mr. Yusuke Shoji, Assistant Director (International Affairs) of the Higher Education Bureau at MEXT. During the exchange meeting, Mr. Koichi Omori, a Senior External Affairs Officer at the World Bank’s Tokyo Office, delivered a lecture on the World Bank’s support for the development of higher education in Africa and its collaboration with Japanese universities.
This was followed by a presentation by Mr. Yuji Oda of the Toda Corporation; he spoke about the role of private enterprises in facilitating brain circulation between Japan and Africa. Ms. Kayo Torii from the Africa Division of the Ashinaga Foundation introduced the Ashinaga Africa Initiative's 100-Year Vision for Higher Education Support for Orphans.
After the exchange meeting, an information-sharing session was held, in which university representatives and experts from practical organizations actively engaged in opinion exchanges and networking discussions.
This event reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between universities and diverse practical organizations in fostering highly skilled human resources in Japan and Africa. Moreover, attendees gained a deeper understanding of the commitment and efforts of practical organizations to support Study Abroad programs. These outcomes have opened up new possibilities for sustainable cooperation.