25 Nov 2018

Japan continues to promote African development under the dual principles of African ‘ownership’ and international ‘partnership’ since the launch of the Tokyo International Conference on Africa’s Development (TICAD) in 1993. 

Speaking during the Embassy of Japan’s National Day reception celebrating the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor, who will be turning 85 years in December, Japanese ambassador to Botswana, Mr Kozo Takeda said Japan would like to reinforce its efforts for human resource development and the promotion of private investment. 

He noted that Japan is alive to the importance of human resource development, especially for the youth, which is one of the foundations for the diversification of the economy and is highly relevant to Botswana. 

Ambassador Takeda noted that Japan has in fact committed itself to support Botswana’s efforts to transform its resource based-economy to a knowledge-based one through various educational programmes. 

He said as part of TICAD, Japan launched the African Business Education Initiative for Youth (ABE Initiative), under which it promised to provide 1 000 African nationals with master’s degree programmes from Japan universities, followed by internship training at Japanese companies. 

He however noted that their efforts are not restricted to Botswana, as the embassy is keen on maintaining and developing the existing cooperation with the SADC Secretariat and continuing the support for capacity building in SADC countries through technical cooperation in various areas such as the mining sector or the management of forest resources. 

Regarding the promotion of private investments, the Japan-Africa Public-Private Economic Forum, which was launched during TICAD VI, was held in Johannesburg in May, and approximately 2 000 people, including 100 Japanese companies participated in the forum. 

Mr Takeda therefore said his country would continue to invest in the future of Africa under public private partnerships and hoped that business people in Botswana and SADC would use the opportunities, resulting from Japan’s efforts. 

The Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Dr Unity Dow saluted Emperor Akihito, as he has contributed immensely to the strong social harmony, which is emblematic of the Japanese people. 

Minister Dow said the occasion offered an opportunity to reflect on the long standing relations between Botswana and Japan, which are anchored on common values and mutual trust.

She said the relationship is also based on pragmatic and effective partnership as well as collaboration in key areas of development and appreciated assistance offered to Botswana by Japan over the years. 

The Japanese government funded over 40 rural developments such as pre-schools, sports facilities, classes for students with disabilities, vocational training institutions and the electrification of primary schools, she said. 

Minister Dow noted with delight that Botswana values the role played by Japan in contributing to the economic transformation of Africa, through the TICAD process. 

Meanwhile, Emperor Akihito will turn 85 years on December 23, 2018, while January 7, 2019 would mark the 30th anniversary of his ascension to the throne. ENDS