By Theresia VictorDodoma. The Embassy of Japan in Tanzania in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has hosted a media seminar and tour in Dodoma to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA).
The event highlighted Japan’s long-standing support for Tanzania’s development through various projects and collaborations.
The seminar brought together media professionals, government officials, and development stakeholders to reflect on Japan’s impact on Tanzania’s socioeconomic progress over the years.
Hon. Jumanne Sagini Abdallah, the Deputy Minister of Constitutional and Legal Affairs and Member of Parliament for Butiama, graced the event as the Guest of Honor.
His presence underscored the importance of Tanzania-Japan relations in driving the country’s development agenda.
In his address, Hon. Sagini praised Japan’s commitment to Tanzania’s development, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, education, and governance reforms.
He also emphasized the critical role of media in fostering transparency and raising public awareness about development initiatives.
“Japan’s ODA has played a pivotal role in transforming various sectors of our economy, and the media’s responsibility is to tell these success stories,” he remarked.
The media tour featured site visits to projects supported by Japan, including education and healthcare facilities. Participants had the opportunity to witness first-hand how Japan’s assistance has improved lives and contributed to Tanzania’s national development goals.
Mr. ARA Hitoshi, JICA Tanzania’s Chief Representative, spoke at the seminar, highlighting the agency’s work over the past decades.
“Japan’s cooperation with Tanzania has always been rooted in mutual respect and shared development goals. As we mark 70 years of ODA, we are proud to see the tangible results of our partnership,” he said.
The event also included panel discussions where experts from various fields discussed the future of international cooperation and how media can enhance the visibility and impact of development programs.
As part of the celebrations, the Embassy of Japan and JICA reaffirmed their commitment to continuing their support for Tanzania’s development, with plans to launch new projects in areas such as digital transformation, education, and local government reform.
Japan’s ODA, which began in 1954, is a cornerstone of its foreign policy, aimed at promoting peace and development globally.
In Tanzania, Japan’s contributions have spanned multiple sectors, making a significant difference in the lives of many citizens.
The media seminar and tour were well-received, fostering greater understanding of the strong ties between Japan and Tanzania, and reinforcing the importance of continued cooperation for future development.