Fourteen Tanzanian professionals are set to embark on a transformative academic journey to Japan under the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) Long-Term Training Programme (LTTP).

The  initiative, which aims to equip them with advanced skills to address local challenges.  Speaking at the sending g off ceremony, in Dar es Salaam yesterday, JICA Tanzania Chief Representative Hitoshi expressed gratitude to the  government for its strong bilateral cooperation.

He  highlighted the support from both the President’s Offices in Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar for human resource development initiatives.  The event also featured presentations from Japanese companies, emphasizing the importance of people-to-people connections and the potential for future collaborations with Tanzanian participants.
 
Ara reiterated JICA’s commitment to supporting Tanzania’s growth, aligning with the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) framework, which prioritizes long-term collaboration, youth empowerment, and innovation-driven growth. 

Encouraging the scholars, Ara urged them to not only excel academically but also immerse themselves in Japanese culture and society.  He emphasized the importance of applying the knowledge gained to contribute meaningfully to Tanzania’s development and to build networks that support future collaborations. 

The send-off ceremony also included insights from three Tanzanian returnees who shared their experiences in Japan, highlighting how the program enhanced their skills and broadened their perspectives. 

 Representatives from Japanese companies expressed optimism that the program would foster mutually beneficial partnerships, with one official noting that JICA’s LTTP participants are well-positioned to support business activities in Africa. 

The  JICA chief representative  concluded emphasizing the importance of strengthening the network of trust and friendship between Japan and Tanzania. 

"This initiative underscores the ongoing collaboration between Tanzania and Japan, aiming to develop skilled professionals who can contribute to sustainable development and foster stronger bilateral ties,"he said