NEWS

From Wednesday, August 20 to Friday, August 22, 2025, APU took part in the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), held at Pacifico Yokohama. APU hosted an official TICAD9 symposium and ran an exhibition booth during the event.

The symposium on August 20 was held under the theme “Multicultural Coexistence and the Transformation of Japanese Society – The Value Brought by Highly Skilled Professionals from Africa.” The discussion focused on how the younger generation, acting as a bridge between Africa and Japan, can shape the future together through their experiences of studying and working in Japan, sharing perspectives from young people themselves.

In the keynote lecture, Mr. KAMAU Zablon, an APU alumnus from Kenya (College of Asia Pacific Studies, Class of Fall 2011), reflected on his journey from studying at APU to working for a Japanese company and eventually starting his own business. He raised key issues concerning both the opportunities and challenges of working in Japanese society and enterprises.

In the second half of the symposium, Assistant Professor BOUKANBA Kimo H. of the College of Sustainability and Tourism, originally from Gabon, served as moderator for a panel discussion. The panel featured Vice President Yoshifumi Okamura, former Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire and former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the OECD; current students Ms. DUBE Tanatsiwa Christabel(College of Asia Pacific Studies, 1st year, Zimbabwe) and Mr. SORO Emmanuel Lanko Isidore (College of Asia Pacific Studies, 3rd year, Burkina Faso); and alumnus Mr. Zablon Kamau. The session saw a lively exchange of ideas and perspectives.

In addition, eight APU students from Africa participated in the 2nd Model African Union (MAU), one of the highlight events of TICAD9. The MAU brings together young people from Japan and Africa to engage in serious debate on Africa’s future. Students, acting as representatives of different countries, presented draft resolutions on critical issues such as the economy, youth policy, and education. APU students not only contributed to the spirited discussions but also deepened their interactions with Japanese high school and university students.

APU also ran a booth in the exhibition area throughout the three days. Students helped manage the booth, introducing APU to domestic and international companies and organizations that visited.

APU is home to the largest number of African students among universities in Japan. Through its participation in TICAD9, the university will continue to strengthen its presence in promoting collaboration between Africa, Japan, and the wider international community.