Japan’s ambassador to Tanzania, Mikami Yoichi, has called on youth to co-create innovative solutions to the challenges they face by leveraging Japanese technology and expertise.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam during a media seminar and tour focused on the upcoming Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) and the 60th anniversary of JICA Volunteers, Ambassador Yoichi emphasised the key role of young people in shaping the future.
“It is important to incorporate the vitality of young people by fostering development and strengthening public-private partnerships. Japanese companies bring valuable problem-solving expertise that can support innovation in Tanzania,” he said.
The ambassador underscored the need to deepen bilateral cooperation to enhance diplomatic and economic ties between Tanzania and Japan, highlighting the importance of strengthening industrial ecosystems to support economic diversification.
“We will continue to support the development of industrial infrastructure and the investment environment through both infrastructure projects and human resource development,” he added.
He also noted that the ninth TICAD Summit will be held from August 20 to 22, 2025, in Yokohama, Japan.
Launched in 1993, TICAD is a Japanese initiative aimed at supporting African development and brings together stakeholders from international organisations, the private sector, civil society, and local governments.
This year’s summit will centre on three thematic pillars: Economy, Peace and Stability, and Society.
Cross-cutting themes include sustainable development led by the private sector, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration to enhance connectivity within and beyond Africa.
JICA Tanzania Chief Representative, Hitoshi Ara, reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Tanzania.
He said JICA is supporting key sectors that drive growth, including agriculture, fisheries, livestock, industrial development, startup support, and industrial human resource development.
“We are also improving the environment for economic and social development through infrastructure, urban environmental programmes, and financial management systems,” said Mr. Ara. “Our aim is to help realise an inclusive and equitable society.”
Eng. Joseph Mwenda, Principal of the Dar es Salaam Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA), urged parents to support their children in acquiring vocational skills for financial independence.
“We have teachers who travelled to Japan to learn how technology helped achieve development goals. Now, they are back in Tanzania, training students to apply the same knowledge and help drive the country’s economic transformation,” he said.
The event highlighted the growing partnership between Japan and Tanzania, anchored in technology transfer, human development, and youth empowerment for sustainable development.