On November 16 and 17, 2024, the “Orientation Program” was held at a venue in Tokyo for ABE Initiative (hereinafter referred to as “ABE”) and the SDGs Global Leader Program (hereinafter referred to as “SDGs-GL”) participants, who had just arrived in Japan this year. Participants from Africa, who had recently started their studies at graduate schools across Japan, gathered for the program. They spent two fulfilling days attending the program overview presentations, lectures, and networking activities.

Many of the participants were meeting each other for the first time, and the venue was filled with the enthusiasm and aspirations of 156 participants, all eager to start their new journey.

The first day of the Orientation Program opened with a welcoming message from Mr. Naoki Yanase, Director General of JICA Africa Department, who expressed his delight at the opportunity to greet new participants in person. Following this, the objectives of each training program were presented, accompanied by motivational messages encouraging the participants as they embarked on their forthcoming study abroad experiences.

In the subsequent session, an introduction to JICA’s initiatives included the announcement that TICAD 9 will be hosted in Japan in August of the following year. Additionally, JICA’s diverse efforts in Africa were outlined, alongside an explanation of the roles that the ABE and SDGs-GL programs play within the broader framework of African cooperation. This served to enhance the participants’ sense of pride and responsibility, reinforcing their identity as integral members of the “JICA Scholars” community.

A panel session was held with four ABE ex-participants: Mr. Yves Freddy ABEME BOUOTO (ABE 5th Batch, Cameroon), Ms. CHICO Safrina Ernesto (ABE 8th Batch, Mozambique), Mr. IDIARO Abdulazeez (ABE 9th Batch, Nigeria), and Ms. GUIZANI Ameni (ABE 6th Batch, Tunisia). This session focused on academic and daily life in Japan, networking with Japanese companies, organizations, and government agencies, and on sharing future visions after completing the program. The panelists shared with invaluable insights based on their own personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of learning Japanese, gaining a deeper understanding of Japanese culture, and looking opportunities for networking with local people and companies, both within and outside of academic settings. The current participants found it useful to get practical suggestions and advice from ABE ex-participants.

Additionally, as one of the main objectives of the Orientation Program was to foster the network among participants, the Kakehashi Africa formed by ABE ex-participants was introduced during the program.

Following this, participants were divided into groups by regions in Africa for a discussion session, where they shared visions for the future after completing programs. Under the facilitation of the ex-participants, lively discussions took place on what concrete steps each participant must take to realize their future goals.

The second day started from the introduction session of Hinode Sangyo company’s business and their collaboration examples with ABE participants by Ms. Kaori Fujita, including a video message from ABE ex-participants who had an opportunity to do internship there.

Ms. Fujita explained, using specific examples, the roles and qualities expected from participants, emphasizing mutually beneficial business development. The ABE ex-participants shared how greatly they had utilized the gained experience and knowledge from internship in building their career.

In the venue, participants were seen listening intently to the presentations, reflecting seriously on how they could contribute to the social development of their respective countries after completing the program, and how they could serve as bridges between Japanese companies and Africa, based on the connections and knowledge gained through their JICA training programs and studies at Japanese universities.

Ms. Norton Nirina Rafarahanta (SDGs-GL 2023, Madagascar) offered advice to the participants based on her own experiences in person at the venue. Meanwhile, Ms. ROCHER Dominique Francoise (ABE 7th Batch, South Africa) sent a meaningful video message to the participants, sharing her insights on the significance of their upcoming academic and daily life in Japan. The participants listened attentively to her message.

In the final session of the program, participants had an opportunity to learn about leadership and collaboration with Japanese companies, organizations, and government agencies. Professor Tadahiro Wakasugi from the Graduate School of Management, GLOBIS University delivered a dynamic lecture on the topic of leadership, exploring what leadership skills are expected in policymaking and in partnership with the private sector, and how to develop it. The session included lively exchanges of ideas with the participants.

This lecture provided the participants with a valuable opportunity to reflect on their own future plan, what elements and leadership skills need to be demonstrated to achieve it successfully in their respective countries.

It also allowed them to deepen their understanding of these concepts within the context of the SDGs-GL framework.

Many of the participants who participated in the Orientation Program expressed gratitude for being able to connect with participants from other African countries, listen to the voices of ex-participants, and engage in numerous Q&A sessions and the group work. The interactive style of the lectures exceeded their expectations and was deemed highly valuable.

Building networks as friends and peers in Japan, far from their home countries and immersed in a different culture, is not only beneficial for their future business endeavors but also enriching for their personal lives.

The participants who took part in this Orientation Program received the clear guidelines on studies in their respective fields during their time in Japan. JICA will continue to support the ABE and SDGs-GL participants, while strengthening networks and promoting collaboration with Japan, striving to cultivate more future leaders who will serve as bridges between Africa and Japan.

Program Overview
• Event Name: Orientation Program for ABE 11th Batch and SDGs-GL 2024 Participants
• Date: November 16th (Saturday) and 17th (Sunday), 2024
• Organizer: JICA Africa Department
• Location: Shinjuku NS Building

Participants:
• ABE 11th Batch
• SDGs-GL 2024 (from African region)
• Tanzania Ministry of Finance and Planning, Human Resources Development and Capacity Building Project

Program Overview:
• November 16th (Saturday):
o Opening Remarks
-Mr. Naoki Yanase, Director General, JICA Africa Department
o Overview and Objectives of the Orientation Program, Respective Roles of JICA and JICE
o Introduction of JICA projects
o Program Overview and Explanation
o Explanation of the 2-Year Roadmap
o Panel Session by ex-participants
-Introduction of Kakehashi Africa (KA), an organization established by ABE ex-participants to promote collaboration between Africa and Japanese companies.
-Academic and Daily Life in Japan
-Networking with Japanese Companies and Organizations
-Future Visions After Program Completion
-Q&A Session

o Group Discussions (by African region)
-Exchange of ideas on future visions after program completion

• November 17th (Sunday):
o Introduction of Good Practices by Japanese Companies and ABE ex-participants
-Ms. Kaori Fujita, Director, Hinode Sangyo Co., Ltd.
-Overview of Africa-related business activities
– Importance of Africa-focused business initiatives
– Collaboration with ABE participants (Internships)
– Expectations for ABE participants
– Experiences Shared by ABE ex-participants (Lessons learned during their stay in Japan)
-The Importance of Japanese Language
-Q&A Session
o Collaboration Examples with Japanese Companies
-Ms. Norton Nirina Rafarahanta (SDGs-GL 2023)
-Ms. ROCHER Dominique Francoise (ABE 7th Batch)
o Leadership Training
-Professor Tadahiro Wakasugi, Graduate School of Management, GLOBIS University

Background and Purpose:
JICA conducts long-term training programs aimed at developing industrial human resources, government officials, and young researchers in Africa. The Orientation Program held this time was designed with the following objectives:
(1) To deepen understanding of each program such as ABE Initiative, SDGs Global Leader, and raise awareness as a JICA scholars.
(2) To raise awareness of collaboration with companies and policy making with the private sector during their stay in Japan.
(3) To build a foundation for networking among JICA scholars, exchanging opinions with alumni, and learning Japanese to adjust to life in Japan and achieve academic success after coming to Japan.

Target Programs:
• ABE Initiative (African Business Education Initiative for Youth):
This program targets African youth, providing opportunities for them to obtain master’s degrees from Japanese universities and to participate in internships with Japanese companies. Its goal is to support African industry talents and to make those talents serve as “bridges” guiding Japanese businesses in Africa.
• SDGs Global Leader Program:
This program aims to nurture high-level professionals, such as government officials and young researchers, who will become the key players in promoting development cooperation to achieve the SDGs. The program offers opportunities to pursue master’s or doctoral degrees at Japanese universities.