The 14th Committee for Japanese Universities for the Inter-University Exchange Project (Africa)

On May 16th, 2024, the 14th Committee of Japanese Universities for the Inter-University Exchange Project (Africa) was held online. A total of 35 faculty members and staff from the member universities involved in the project participated.

First, the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) introduced their safety information booklet for undergraduate students. Participants were also informed about the Japanese language courses in FY2024 as start-up support. Then, the platform secretariat explained the schedule for FY2024. Each university was asked to update their data on the portal site.

Next, each university reported on its activities and plans for the year. As this is the final year of the program, there was also a discussion on the challenges the universities face in becoming self-reliant after the project ends. Sustainable financing for various expenses, such as airfares and accommodation charges for sending and receiving students, is a major challenge for most universities. Information on the use of external scholarships, private subsidies, and crowdfunding was shared to address these issues.

Finally, the platform secretariat invited all implementing universities to participate in the joint final symposium to be held in early next year. It was proposed that the symposium incorporate an international student conference and discuss initiatives for TICAD 9 to enhance future Japan-Africa academic collaboration.