Despite the geographical distance, Japan and Africa have established a strong and enduring collaboration in the academic fields. By strengthening the network of Japanese and African youth, we will lay the foundation for a sustainable partnership that will contribute to the international community in the years to come.

On August 21, the JST Sakura Science Exchange Program and Miraikan—the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation—jointly organized a Science and Technology Workshop for Japanese and African high school students. The event was held at PACIFICO Yokohama as part of the thematic events of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).

The workshop brought together 22 African high school students visiting Japan under the Sakura Science Exchange Program and 14 students from Kanagawa Prefectural Yokohama-Midorigaoka Senior High School. Under the theme “Sustainable Foods,” participants engaged in lively discussions from diverse perspectives. Toshiko Abe, then-Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, delivered an encouraging message on site, underscoring the importance of youth collaboration.

Ahead of the workshop, JST hosted the Japan-Africa University Exchange Meeting 2025 on August 19 at its Tokyo Headquarters Annex as a Partner Project of TICAD 9. The meeting brought together representatives from 21 Japanese universities and from 12 universities across 11 African countries to exchange ideas and explore opportunities for research collaboration and academic networking. In addition, funding agencies from both Japan and Africa introduced programs designed to promote the exchange of young researchers and foster joint research initiatives. Active networking took place throughout the event.

JST hopes that this conference will help promote exchanges among young people and will continue its efforts to form a talent mobility and circulation network between Japan and Africa.

• 

  (Upper left) Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Abe, gave a message of encouragement at the Science and Technology Workshop for Japanese and African high school students.
  (Upper right) High school students had lively discussions at each table.
  (Lower) Exchanges at the Japan-Africa University Exchange Meeting 2025.