On 23 August 2025, the University of Tokyo hosted the symposium “From Campus to Community: University Collaboration between Africa and Japan for Real-World Change” as an official side event of TICAD 9. Co-organized with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the University of Pretoria, the event brought together leaders from academia, development institutions, and the private sector to explore how universities can directly contribute to solving pressing social challenges.
Session 1: Envisioning University Collaboration
Keynotes were delivered by Ms. Nnenna Lily Nwabufo, Vice President of the AfDB, Prof. Teruo Fujii, President of the University of Tokyo, and Prof. Margaret Chitiga-Mabugu, Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, University of Pretoria, who read the message on behalf of Vice Chancellor Francis Petersen. Speakers emphasized that universities should move beyond their traditional roles of research and education to become drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive development, working alongside governments and industry.
Session 2: Fostering Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Prof. Frans Swanepoel (University of Pretoria) highlighted Africa’s demographic challenge, with 60% of its population under 25, stressing that universities must embed entrepreneurship and innovation in education, promote experiential learning, and support startups through incubators and accelerators. Ms. Hendrina Doroba (AfDB) presented the Bank’s initiatives, including PAU Innovation Hubs and Coding for Employment, which equip youth with skills for the future.
A panel discussion with young entrepreneurs and corporate representatives showcased experiences from both Africa and Japan. In the reflection segment, Mr. Takaaki Nomoto (Director, Ministry of Finance, Japan) drew on his four years of experience as Executive Director at the AfDB to stress that youth entrepreneurship will be central to Africa’s future development.
Session 3: Collaboration of Public Policy Schools
Prof. Chitiga-Mabugu, Prof. Naomi Aoki (University of Tokyo GraSPP), and Prof. Themba Maseko (Wits School of Governance) introduced plans for long-term collaboration among public policy schools in Africa and Japan. Discussions focused on joint research, student and faculty exchanges, and the co-creation of executive education programs to strengthen leadership capacity in government and business. The initiative aims to build a sustainable framework for training the next generation of policy leaders.
Closing Remarks
The symposium concluded with remarks from Mr. Kentaro Ogata, Director General of the International Bureau, Ministry of Finance, Japan, who expressed strong expectations for future collaboration between African universities and the University of Tokyo to tackle regional challenges and drive inclusive development.
Conclusion
The symposium reaffirmed that universities are not only centers of learning but also active partners in driving social and economic transformation. By linking Africa and Japan through joint education, entrepreneurship support, and policy collaboration, universities can play a central role in addressing global challenges and creating shared prosperity.
