The African Community at the International University of Japan (IUJ) is delighted to invite you to our Maiden Africa Day Symposium 2024 event, themed “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive lifelong quality and relevant learning in Africa.”

Event Details:
Date: Monday, May 20, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Japan Standard Time) / 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM (WAT – Nigeria Time)

Panel Session 1

Her Excellency Mrs. Genevieve Edna Apaloo

Her Excellency Mrs. Genevieve Edna Apaloo is a distinguished diplomat and the first female Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Ghana to Japan, a position she has held since January 26, 2022. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s diplomatic history, highlighting her exemplary career in foreign service and her pioneering role as a female leader in international diplomacy.

Before her current role, Ambassador Apaloo served in various capacities at the Embassy of Ghana in Washington D.C., United States. From November 2020 to June 2021, she was the Acting Head of Mission, and subsequently, she continued her service as the Deputy Chief of Mission and Head of Chancery until her designation as Ambassador to Japan. Her tenure in Washington D.C. was marked by her leadership and commitment to strengthening Ghana’s diplomatic relations with the United States.

Ambassador Apaloo’s extensive career in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration includes her role as the Director of the Asia and Pacific Bureau from September 2017 to October 2019. During this period, she played a crucial role in implementing Ghana’s foreign policy in relation to the Asia-Pacific region. Her efforts facilitated several high-profile visits by the President of Ghana to key countries in the region, including Japan, thereby enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation.

With a career spanning over twenty-five years, Ambassador Apaloo has garnered a wealth of experience from her postings in various countries, including Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Togo, and France. Her diverse diplomatic assignments have equipped her with a deep understanding of international relations and regional integration.

Ambassador Apaloo holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Modern Languages, with combined honors in French and Spanish, from the University of Ghana. She furthered her education with a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from the Legon Center for International Affairs and Diplomacy at the University of Ghana. In addition to her formal education, she has participated in numerous professional courses, focusing on good governance, peace and security, and diplomacy, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Beyond her professional achievements, Ambassador Apaloo has a range of personal interests that include reading, dancing, millinery, chocolate making, and mentoring the youth. These hobbies reflect her vibrant personality and her dedication to fostering growth and development among the younger generation.

Ambassador Apaloo is married and is a mother to two children, balancing her demanding career with her family life. Her journey and accomplishments serve as an inspiration to many, demonstrating the impact of dedication, hard work, and leadership in the field of international diplomacy.

Prof Kato Hiroshi
Professor Hiroshi Kato is a distinguished academic and professional with a rich career spanning several decades, marked by significant contributions to both academia and international development.

Professional Career:
Professor Kato joined the International University of Japan (IUJ) in 2019, where he has held multiple prominent positions. He began his tenure as a Professor and swiftly ascended to key leadership roles within the institution. In 2021, he was appointed Vice President of IUJ, a role in which he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision. His contributions to the academic community were further recognized in 2023 when he was named Dean of the Graduate School of International Relations. In these capacities, Professor Kato has played a pivotal role in shaping the academic and strategic direction of IUJ, fostering an environment of excellence and innovation.

Before his tenure at IUJ, Professor Kato had a long and impactful career at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), where he served from 1978 to 2019. During his time at JICA, he held several significant positions, including Director of the JICA Research Institute from 2012 to 2013. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing research activities and contributing to the development of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing Japan’s international cooperation efforts. From 2013 to 2019, Professor Kato served as the Senior Vice-President of JICA for Sub-Saharan Africa. His work in this capacity involved extensive collaboration with African nations, focusing on development programs and initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable growth and development across the continent.

Professor Kato’s academic background is as impressive as his professional career. He holds a degree in Asian History from the prestigious University of Tokyo, where he developed a deep understanding of historical and cultural contexts that influence contemporary issues. Further enhancing his expertise, he pursued advanced studies at Harvard University, earning a degree in Public Administration. This educational foundation has equipped Professor Kato with a comprehensive understanding of both historical perspectives and modern administrative practices, enabling him to navigate and address complex global challenges effectively.

Interests:
Throughout his career, Professor Kato has maintained a keen interest in several critical areas. His primary interests include development studies, foreign aid, and African development. These interests have driven much of his work at JICA and IUJ, where he has consistently focused on initiatives that promote sustainable development, effective foreign aid strategies, and the advancement of African nations. His dedication to these fields is evident in his extensive body of work and his ongoing commitment to fostering international cooperation and development.

In summary, Professor Hiroshi Kato’s career is a testament to his dedication to education and international development. His contributions at both IUJ and JICA reflect a deep commitment to fostering global understanding, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing educational opportunities. His work continues to inspire and influence students, academics, and professionals around the world.

Mr. Hiroshi Mochizuki

Hiroshi Mochizuki is a highly experienced and dedicated professional currently serving as the Senior Deputy Director of the Higher Education and Social Security Group within the Human Development Department at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Since joining JICA in 2012, Mr. Mochizuki has been instrumental in managing and overseeing various Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects, which are pivotal to JICA’s mission of promoting international cooperation and sustainable development.

Throughout his tenure at JICA, Mr. Mochizuki has held significant responsibilities across multiple departments. His journey began at the JICA Chubu Center, where he contributed to foundational educational initiatives. He later played a crucial role in the Basic Education Group of the Human Development Department, where his efforts were directed towards enhancing educational frameworks and accessibility.

Mr. Mochizuki’s expertise was further recognized through his assignments at JICA’s South Africa Office and Africa Department. In these roles, he focused on fostering educational development and capacity-building initiatives across the African continent, aligning with JICA’s broader goals of enhancing human development and social security.

Currently, Mr. Mochizuki oversees the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) project, a flagship initiative aimed at fostering academic excellence and scientific research in Egypt through a collaborative framework with Japan. In addition to this, he supervises multiple projects related to the higher education sector in both Africa and Asia. His leadership in these areas is pivotal to advancing educational standards, promoting cross-cultural academic collaboration, and driving sustainable development in these regions.

Mr. Mochizuki’s contributions to JICA and his ongoing commitment to educational development and international cooperation underscore his vital role in advancing global education initiatives. His extensive experience and dedication continue to impact numerous educational projects, reflecting JICA’s mission to foster development and cooperation worldwide.

Mr. Wembe Helder Salvador Bumba
Helder Salvador Bumba Wembe is a dedicated and accomplished professional currently pursuing a graduate degree in Public Management and Policy Analysis (PMPP) at the International University of Japan (IUJ). With a robust background in education and public administration, Helder brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to improving educational and governmental systems in his home country of Angola.

Prior to his graduate studies, Helder served as a Performance Evaluation Coordinator at the Ministry of Finance (MoF) in Angola. In this role, he was responsible for assessing and enhancing the performance of various governmental programs and initiatives, ensuring they met their objectives and delivered value to the public. His work in this capacity has been instrumental in driving efficiency and effectiveness within the ministry, contributing to better governance and public service delivery.

Helder’s professional journey began in the field of education, where he worked as an undergraduate assistant professor and an English as a foreign language teacher in Angola. His passion for education and his dedication to student success were evident in his teaching, where he helped shape the minds of young Angolans and prepared them for future opportunities. His experience as an educator provided him with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the educational sector, further fueling his commitment to public service and development.

Now, as a PMPP graduate student at IUJ, Helder is expanding his knowledge and skills in public management and policy analysis. His academic pursuits are focused on gaining a deeper understanding of policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation, with the goal of applying this knowledge to drive positive change in Angola’s public sector.

Helder Salvador Bumba Wembe’s diverse background in education and public administration, combined with his ongoing academic endeavors, position him as a promising leader dedicated to fostering development and improving public services in Angola. His commitment to excellence and his passion for making a difference continue to inspire those around him.

Panel Session 2

His Excellency Mr. Jean Antoine Diouf

His Excellency Mr. Jean Antoine Diouf is a seasoned career diplomat who was appointed as the Ambassador of Senegal to Japan in February 2023 and officially assumed his duties in August 2023. His extensive background in diplomacy and his significant contributions to African integration make him a distinguished representative of Senegal on the international stage.

Before his current appointment, Ambassador Diouf served as the Chief of Staff to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Senegal. This role placed him at the center of Senegal’s foreign policy administration, where he was instrumental in shaping and executing the country’s diplomatic strategies.

Ambassador Diouf has spent much of his diplomatic career focused on issues of African integration. He served as the Head of the Africa Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad from 2006 to 2008, a role in which he was responsible for managing Senegal’s diplomatic relations with African nations. He later became the Director of Regional Integration and subsequently the Director for Africa from 2013 to 2020. These roles involved overseeing Senegal’s engagement with regional organizations and initiatives aimed at fostering closer ties and cooperation among African states.

In addition to these responsibilities, Ambassador Diouf held the position of Head of the ECOWAS National Office of Senegal from 2013 to 2020. In this capacity, he represented Senegal in the ECOWAS Administration and Finance Committee, which he chaired in 2016. His leadership in this role was pivotal in advancing the economic and political integration within the West African region.

Ambassador Diouf’s diplomatic experience is further enriched by his service abroad. He has served at the Embassy of Senegal in Jamaica (2008-2009), in Portugal (2009-2010), and in Japan (2010-2013) as First Counsellor. These postings have provided him with a diverse perspective on international relations and a deep understanding of global diplomatic practices.

Ambassador Diouf’s career reflects a profound commitment to advancing Senegal’s interests and fostering cooperation both within Africa and internationally. His extensive experience in African integration and his leadership roles in various diplomatic missions underscore his capability and dedication as a representative of Senegal.

Prof. Gaku Funabashi
Prof. Gaku Funabashi is an Associate Professor at the International University of Japan (IUJ), where he brings a wealth of international experience and academic expertise to his role. His career journey is marked by significant contributions to both academia and international development, reflecting his deep commitment to fostering global understanding and economic growth.

Professional Career:
Professor Funabashi’s professional journey began with his work in private enterprises across Denmark, Sweden, and Japan. His diverse experience in these countries provided him with a broad perspective on international business and economic development. This international exposure laid a strong foundation for his subsequent work in international development.

Professor Funabashi’s commitment to global development was further demonstrated when he volunteered in Botswana through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This experience marked the beginning of a long-term relationship with JICA, during which he served as a Long-term Expert in various countries, including Bulgaria, Serbia and Montenegro, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Laos. His work primarily focused on the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and industrial growth, areas crucial for the economic development of these nations.

In addition to his fieldwork, Professor Funabashi also served as a Senior Advisor for JICA. In this role, he was involved in numerous projects worldwide, contributing his expertise to various international development initiatives. His work with JICA has been instrumental in promoting sustainable economic development and fostering international cooperation.

Academic Background:
Professor Funabashi’s academic achievements are equally impressive. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree from Hitotsubashi University, which provided him with a solid foundation in business and economics. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Public Policy (MPP) from the University of Chicago, where he developed a deeper understanding of policy analysis and implementation. His academic journey culminated with a Ph.D. from the University of Tokyo, where he specialized in areas that align with his professional interests in economic development and international cooperation.

Teaching and Research:
At IUJ, Professor Funabashi combines his extensive professional experience with his academic knowledge to provide students with a comprehensive education in international relations and development. His teaching focuses on equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to address global economic challenges and contribute to sustainable development.

Professor Funabashi’s research interests include the development of SMEs, industrial growth, and the role of international organizations in economic development. His work continues to contribute to the academic community and inform policy-making in international development.

In summary, Professor Gaku Funabashi’s career is a testament to his dedication to both academia and international development. His extensive experience and academic expertise make him a valuable asset to the International University of Japan and the global academic community.

Mr. Noro Hiroyoshi
Noro Hiroyoshi Representative Director , DIVIC Corp.
Graduated from the Department of Business Administration (MBA) at the Graduate School of Management, Globis University. In 2020, he won the Creativity Division of the 16th Globis Alumni Awards. After working in sales and corporate sales, at the age of 29, he became an IT engineer after undergoing programming training, despite being a non-engineer with no development experience. He then founded the programming school DPro in 2015. In order to expand the system for seizing opportunities in IT beyond the barriers of birth, work history, and academic background, he aims to provide IT education and employment opportunities to talented young people in the Global South, including Africa. He has been involved in business activities in 38 African countries, making him one of the most successful companies in Japan.

Ms. Mtshali Mbali

Mtshali Mbali is a graduate student in the International Development Program (IDP) at the International University of Japan (IUJ), where she is advancing her expertise in the field of international development with a focus on sustainable energy solutions. Her academic and professional background is rooted in the renewable energy sector, where she has made significant contributions as an engineer.

Professional Career:

Before joining IUJ, Mbali worked as a Renewable Energy Engineer at Eskom Holdings, South Africa’s largest electricity public utility. In this role, she was involved in various projects aimed at enhancing South Africa’s energy infrastructure and promoting sustainable energy practices. Her work at Eskom Holdings focused on the development and implementation of renewable energy solutions, which are critical for addressing the country’s energy needs and reducing its carbon footprint.

Academic Background:

Mbali holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Renewable Energy and Smart Grid Technologies, as well as a Master’s degree in Engineering from Stellenbosch University, South Africa. These qualifications have equipped her with a deep understanding of advanced energy systems and technologies. Her academic training at Stellenbosch University, a leading institution in renewable energy research, provided her with the technical skills and knowledge necessary to drive innovation in the energy sector.

Current Studies:

At IUJ, Mbali is furthering her education in the International Development Program. This program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in global development, with a particular emphasis on sustainable practices and policies. Mbali’s focus on renewable energy within this program underscores her commitment to finding sustainable solutions to global energy challenges.

Research Interests:

Mbali’s research interests lie in the integration of renewable energy sources into existing energy grids, the development of smart grid technologies, and the implementation of sustainable energy policies. Her work aims to bridge the gap between technological innovation and practical application, ensuring that renewable energy solutions are both effective and accessible.

Contributions and Impact:

Through her work and studies, Mbali is dedicated to contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions in South Africa and beyond. Her background as a renewable energy engineer and her ongoing studies in international development position her to make significant contributions to the global energy sector. Mbali’s efforts are geared towards promoting energy sustainability, enhancing energy security, and supporting the transition to low-carbon energy systems.

In summary, Mtshali Mbali is a dynamic professional and academic dedicated to the field of renewable energy and sustainable development. Her blend of practical engineering experience and advanced academic training equips her to tackle some of the most pressing energy challenges of our time, making her a valuable asset to both the academic community at IUJ and the global renewable energy sector.