Tanzania and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their longstanding partnership, with the two countries marking 60 years of cooperation through the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) programme, which has played a significant role in improving service delivery and developing local skills across Tanzania.
The anniversary, celebrated on November 9, 2026, highlighted the contribution of more than 1,730 Japanese volunteers who have served in Tanzania since the programme began, supporting key sectors including education, health, agriculture, vocational training, community development and tourism.
The programme, implemented through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has helped strengthen public institutions, transfer technical knowledge and build lasting relationships between Tanzanians and Japanese citizens.
Speaking at the commemorative event, the Tanzanian government, on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their continued support and commitment to Tanzania's development.
The government noted that the partnership had delivered benefits beyond technical assistance by equipping local professionals with practical skills and strengthening communities, particularly through initiatives implemented at the grassroots level.
Cooperation under the programme is anchored in an agreement signed in 1966, with Tanzania receiving its first group of 30 Japanese volunteers in 1967, comprising 24 women and six men. Tanzania was the second country in Africa to benefit from the initiative.
Over the past six decades, volunteers have contributed to improving teaching methods, supporting healthcare services, promoting agricultural practices and strengthening vocational education and training.
Their work has also benefited communities in regions including Pwani, Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Singida, Iringa, Mwanza, Mbeya, Morogoro, Dodoma and Tanga.
The government further emphasised the importance of ensuring that knowledge gained through the programme remains within Tanzania, noting that 36 Tanzanians acquired skills and knowledge directly from volunteers between 2024 and 2026.
To ensure smooth implementation of their assignments, the government has facilitated the issuance of work permits and exemption certificates to 30 volunteers between 2024 and 2026 through coordination involving relevant government institutions, JICA Tanzania and host organisations.
One of the volunteers, Sena Sumori, who teaches Mathematics at Mamba Primary School in Bagamoyo District, said her experience in Tanzania had been both challenging and rewarding.
She explained that her main responsibility was to improve Mathematics teaching methods and help pupils develop confidence and interest in the subject.
Sumori said adapting to a different culture and teaching more than 50 pupils in one classroom initially presented challenges. However, cooperation with fellow teachers, encouragement from pupils and the hospitality of local communities helped her adjust.
She said she was particularly encouraged by pupils who regularly requested additional Mathematics exercises, even during break time, while others showed enthusiasm for learning Japanese.
According to her, witnessing pupils improve their academic performance had become one of the greatest sources of motivation in her work.
Sumori also praised Tanzanians for their kindness and hospitality, saying the experience had taught her valuable lessons about appreciating available opportunities, embracing differences and maintaining hope.
She pledged to share Tanzania's positive experiences and attractions with people in Japan after completing her assignment, expressing hope that more Japanese citizens would develop an interest in the country.
Other speakers highlighted how the programme had strengthened friendship between the two countries, with former volunteers continuing to promote Tanzania-Japan relations even after returning home.
The cooperation also faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, when volunteers temporarily left Tanzania for safety reasons. However, the partnership remained intact, with volunteers resuming their assignments in 2023.
Beyond the volunteer programme, Japan has continued supporting Tanzania through JICA-funded development projects, including technical assistance, concessional loans and grants aimed at improving infrastructure, public services and human capital.
The Tanzanian government reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Japan and JICA to expand cooperation in areas that respond to the country's development priorities and skills requirements.
The partnership is also expected to contribute to Tanzania's long-term ambitions under National Development Vision 2050, which seeks to promote inclusive prosperity, human development and improved quality of life.
The anniversary brought together senior government officials, Japanese representatives, development partners and former and serving volunteers to celebrate six decades of friendship and shared development efforts.
The two countries expressed confidence that the partnership would continue creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, strengthening communities and improving the lives of citizens for generations to come.