Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

The JICA Vietnam Office is focusing on the AI field, which the Vietnamese government has designated as a priority area. In collaboration with Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) and the National Innovation Center, we are implementing a program to strengthen AI research and human resource development. On September 17, JICA and HUST launched “Global Consumer Intelligence Course (GCI) ” (*) at Hanoi University of Science and Technology. For the inaugural lecture, Professor Yutaka Matsuo of the University of Tokyo, a leading figure in Japanese AI research, visited Vietnam to deliver the lecture both in-person and online. Approximately 300 pre-selected HUST students participated in-person, while around 1,600 students across Vietnam attended online. Furthermore, 7,721 students from 436 institutions in 33 countries worldwide also participated online. This program will continue online for the next 14 weeks (with potential for in-person lectures depending on circumstances). Graduates equipped with practical knowledge and skills are expected to become innovators who lead startups leveraging AI technology. *) “Global Consumer Intelligence Course (GCI)”: An online education program in data science and marketing operated by the Matsuo-Iwasawa Laboratory at the University of Tokyo (Matsuo Lab) led by Professor Yutaka Matsuo of the University of Tokyo.

October 14 is "Railway Day" in Japan. Railways are closely tied to international cooperation. For example, the Tokaido Shinkansen was developed with support from the World Bank after World War II. Since then, Japan has provided various forms of assistance to railway projects in developing countries. At the JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development, we conduct multifaceted analyses on how railway infrastructure impacts society and the economy. For instance, in India—where women's mobility has traditionally been restricted—the introduction of the Delhi Metro has provided a safe and reliable means of transportation, increasing women's freedom of movement and expanding employment opportunities in areas close to the metro. In Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, severe traffic congestion was a major issue. The Dhaka MRT Line 6, the country’s first railway-based urban mass transit system, has improved vehicle travel speeds by up to 15% on major roads running parallel to the MRT shortly after its opening. Explore more of our research here https://lnkd.in/enYeT9Qc

Ecuador, one of the 17 megadiverse countries that host about 70% of the world’s species, is home to the Galápagos Islands and rich coastal ecosystems. The convergence of the Humboldt and El Niño currents creates a unique marine environment where turtles, sharks, whales, and migratory seabirds such as the frigatebird thrive. However, illegal fishing and mangrove loss are threatening these vital ecosystems. In response, JICA launched a project titled “Strengthening of Capabilities of Ecosystem Conservation in the Coastal Areas” in 2025, in collaboration with Ecuador’s Ministry of Environment, Water, and Ecological Transition. The project focuses on four sites within the AMCP Network, enhancing monitoring systems for ecosystems and indicator species—including migratory birds—and promoting sustainable resource management inspired by Japan’s Satoyama–Satoumi approach. Protecting life across the sea and sky, JICA supports Ecuador’s efforts toward a future where people and nature coexist in harmony. #WorldMigratoryBirdDay #Ecuador #JICA #MarineConservation #Biodiversity #Frigatebird

JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers “60th Anniversary" Launched in 1965, the JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers program will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2025. To date, volunteers have utilized their skills and experience across 9 fields—including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, health/medical, social welfare, commerce, and tourism—and over 190 job types to support people in developing countries. By December 2024, the cumulative number of dispatched volunteers will reach approximately 57,000! We invite you to see the JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers bringing change to the world and Japan in our 60th Anniversary Video. 🎥60th Anniversary Video (1:51) https://lnkd.in/e2MyUs-Z 🎥60th Anniversary Long Version Video (7:54) https://lnkd.in/eD3HYQxb #JICA #JOCV #60thAnniversary

【High School Students Explore "Agriculture × International Cooperation"!】 On August 25, 35 high school students from 12 schools across Japan gathered at JICA Tsukuba for the 2nd International Cooperation Experience Program for Agricultural High School Students. Through hands-on rice yield sampling survey with 13 JICA participants from African countries, workshops simulating JICA Volunteer activities, and career talks with professionals in the field of international cooperation, students deepened their understanding of global agricultural challenges and explored how their expertise can contribute to solving them. They discovered the potential of agriculture in international cooperation and broadened their perspectives on future careers. “I feel motivated to do more!” “It was truly exciting and fun!” – many positive voices from the students! We were truly inspired by the energy and ideas of these young future changemakers. Thank you to all students, teachers, guest speakers and JICA participants who made this day so special! #JICATsukuba #InternationalCooperation #JICAVolunteers #PowerOfAgriculture #FutureLeaders

#JICA President Tanaka Akihiko met Ugandan Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja at JICA Headquarters on October 9. They shared views on ongoing and future cooperation, infrastructure development as well as peace and stability in East Africa.

JICA Supported Early Detection and Response to Cholera Outbreak in Northern Zambia In Zambia, infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis remain among the leading causes of death. Moreover, the country faces urgent challenges in responding to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases from neighboring African nations. To address these issues, JICA is implementing a technical cooperation project aimed at strengthening Zambia’s infectious disease control system. To support the response to a cholera outbreak since August 2025 at Mpulungu District in Northern Province, JICA expert and officers from the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) were dispatched to the field. Since 2023, the project has worked closely with Mpulungu Urban Clinic, a public health facility under the District Health Office, as a sentinel site for Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) surveillance. Through continuous support for stool sample collection and laboratory testing, the clinic was able to diagnose cholera cases locally—without transporting samples over 200 km to the provincial capital, Kasama. This significantly contributed to the early detection and timely response by health authorities. JICA remains committed to strengthening Zambia’s health system by enhancing its capacity for prevention, preparedness, and response to public health crises. The Project details are available below:https://lnkd.in/eME8V7sv

The 8th of October is the “Day of Tree” in Japan. JICA is protecting Laos’ Forests with REDD+. In Laos, where deforestation is a growing concern, JICA is taking on a new challenge: promoting sustainable forest management through the international framework known as REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation Plus). Using satellite imagery, JICA has developed a forest monitoring system called PDMS, enabling local forest officers to identify deforestation hotspots and take action. This system is now used in 16 out of 18 provinces and has become an official national tool. In July 2024, Laos secured $16 million from the World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) Carbon Fund—an achievement made possible through REDD+. The funds are being used to support forest conservation and improve local livelihoods, creating a positive cycle of environmental protection and economic support. “Protecting forests must go hand in hand with improving people’s lives,” says Project Leader. JICA continues to support Laos in building a future where forests and communities thrive together. #JICA #REDDPlus #Laos #ForestConservation #ClimateAction

Thai rice noodles support healthy aging? In Thailand, rice isn’t just a staple—it’s a culinary canvas. One standout is kanom jeen, soft white rice noodles often served with green curry. Easy to eat, even for older adults with dental issues, it’s a go-to comfort food during hot seasons. But there’s more. As Thailand rapidly approaches a super-aged society, JICA volunteers are working alongside local communities to promote nutrition and elder care. They’re also learning from Thailand’s grassroots systems—like trained community volunteers supporting seniors. This mutual learning and co-creation between Japan and Thailand is shaping a new model of international cooperation. From food to healthcare, it’s about growing together. #JICA #Thailand #HealthyAging #KanomJeen #InternationalCooperation #CoCreation #Nutrition #ElderCare

October 5 is World Teachers’ Day – Tokkatsu in Egypt JICA is implementing a project to introduce Japanese-style education, including Tokkatsu (special activities), in Egypt. Tokkatsu is taken for granted in Japanese schools but has rarely been introduced overseas. However, they are essential educational activities that foster children's autonomy and proactive attitudes, help build interpersonal relationships necessary for academic growth, and support overall development. Schools in Egypt have begun with activities such as class meetings, student duty rotations, morning meetings, homeroom wrap-ups, and classroom cleaning. Egyptian supervisors who have learned about Japanese-style education now support teachers in schools, helping expand the initiative nationwide. As a result, many teachers say they’ve experienced personal growth and learning, and that their classes have become more student-centered. These efforts contribute to creating an enjoyable school life for both teachers and students. Japanese Tokkatsu is getting popular not only in Egypt, but also in other countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia. Project for Enhancement and Dissemination of Tokkatsu Models | ODA Project Website https://lnkd.in/eeh2PHee