The government of Japan has intensified efforts to increase the number of African students studying in Japanese universities. Through the Study in Japan for Africa, programme, Tokyo has set ambitious targets and plans to ensure more young Africans get trained in Japan. The programme seeks to recruit students to study courses in key disciplines such as Robotics, A.I., Biotechnology, Environmental Studies, and Information Technology. The initiative is being spearheaded by Akita University in Japan.
Speaking at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology on Monday January 27, 2025, the Programme’s Sub-Saharan Africa Director, Prof. Miyamoto Ritsuko said the initiative provides a pathway for young Africans to acquire quality education.
Only 1,994 African students were enrolled in different Japanese universities in 2023. According to Prof. Miyamoto, the aim is to increase the number of students from Africa to 2,500 by 2028. Increasing the number of African students in Japan is also an avenue for Tokyo’s soft influence through cultural immersion of the programme’s beneficiaries.
According to the Programme’s Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Office Coordinator in Nairobi Njeri Kagema, Study in Japan for Africa is keen to work with institutions like JKUAT to promote the uptake of available study opportunities for young Kenyans.
JKUAT’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ikua welcomed the idea, noting that it would open pathways for many young Africans to acquire education relevant to development aspirations of their countries. Prof. Ikua noted that JKUAT had longstanding partnerships with Japanese universities with a number of staff at the university having trained in Japan.
Also present at the meeting were Deputy Vice Chancellors: Prof. Robert Kinyua (Academic Affairs) and Prof. Jackson Kwanza (Research, Production and Extension). Mr. Ehkhzaya Otgonbileg who is the Coordinator of the Programme at Akita University also attended the meeting.
Young Kenyans who wish to learn more about the programme can visit the website https://www.studyinjapanforafrica.com/
