Attended Thematic Event at TICAD 9 “Toward Co-creative World among the Youth-Flying to ＆ from Africa (TOMOMI Africa)”

UTokyo students who participated in the UTokyo-JICA International Cooperation Pilot Program in Ghana attended TICAD* 9 held in Yokohama from August 20 to 22, 2025.

*Tokyo International Conference on African Development


1. Event Overview
(1) Date/Time: Wednesday, August 20, 2025
(2) Venue : Inter Continental Yokohama Grand
(3) Language: English /French/ Japanese
(4) Participants: Around 60, including
• Kaori Hayashi, Professor, Broad of Members, Executive Vice President, The University of Tokyo,
• HE. Mukasine Marie-Claire, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Republic of Rwanda,
• JungHyun Jasmine Ryu, Head of International Exchange Division, Center for Global Education, The University of Tokyo
• 6 participants of UTokyo–JICA International Cooperation Pilot Program in Ghana,
• 5 students from Sophia University, 13 students from Chuo University,
• 3 ABE Initiative scholars
• JICA officials, and university representatives.


2. Event Concept and Purpose
This event served as a platform to introduce JICA’s “TOMONI Africa” initiative, with the aim of increasing interest in Africa among young people in Japan and promoting people to people exchange between Japan and Africa, particularly among youth.
Japanese students with little prior exposure to Africa shared the appeal they discovered through their recent visits, along with their thoughts on the future of Japan–Africa relations. In turn, they received feedback from African students studying in Japan through the ABE Initiative.
The event also aimed to broaden participation in TOMONI Africa and expand domestic networks of Africa-related stakeholders in the future.


3. University Presentations and Reflections from African Students
The University of Tokyo:
Six students who participated in the UTokyo–JICA International Cooperation Pilot Program in Ghana in March this year, shared their experiences of traveling to Africa. Through their involvement in field activities alongside Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers, the students offered reflections such as “I felt proud to see Japanese educational approaches being shared in Ghana through JICA,” and “By participating directly in the project and facing various challenges, I was able to develop flexibility and problem-solving skills.” In response to the presentations, an ABE Initiative student from Ghana currently studying at Hiroshima University commented, “Language barriers are one of the challenges within the African region. In countries where English is the official language, acquiring language skills at an early age is effective. I believe Japan faces similar challenges. Likewise, I hope young people in Japan will take an interest in Africa, travel there, and build friendships from an early age.”

Sophia University:
Five students who had traveled to Côte d'Ivoire took the stage and shared their impressions of the country. During their trip, they engaged in discussions with students from our partner university on topics such as development, the economy, and child labor. A student found the experience valuable as shew as able to learn about local circumstances that cannot be understood from the Japanese perspective. Another encouraged the audience by saying, “There are lessons, information, encounters, and experiences that can only be gained on-site. So why not start by going to Africa?” In response, an ABE Initiative student from Côte d'Ivoire currently studying at Nagoya Institute of Technology shared about how he became interested in Japan and said, “I hope exchanges will become even more active.”

Chuo University:
Thirteen students who traveled to Rwanda gave a presentation, during which they spoke about the 1994 genocide. One student speaking shared emotionally: “When I was told, ‘Please become an ambassador to share our story,’ I felt a strong sense of responsibility to convey the tragic experiences.” In response, an ABE Initiative student from Rwanda currently studying at Hokkaido University commented: “I have met Japanese leaders and entrepreneurs and from them, I learned many things. I hope all of you will become future leaders and entrepreneurs who represent Japan. And please continue to nurture the relationships you built during this visit.”


Panel Discussion :
During the panel discussion, one student from each university joined ABE Initiative students on stage to exchange ideas on the theme: “What can be done to increase the number of young Japanese traveling to Africa.”


Closing remarks :
In her closing remarks, Professor Kaori Hayashi, Executive Vice President of the University of Tokyo, expressed that she was deeply moved by the discussions and the strong interest for Africa shown by so many young people. She noted that while Africa still feel distant and unfamiliar to many Japanese youth, physical distance is not a meaningful barrier. Rather, Africa is a partner with whom Japan shares many common challenges. Professor Hayashi also conveyed her hopes that the next generation, as future leaders, will play a vital role in building bridges between Japan and Africa.