The initiative is aligned with the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) framework, which prioritises youth empowerment, long-term collaboration, and innovation-driven growth.
Dar es Salaam. Fourteen Tanzanian professionals are set to travel to Japan to pursue postgraduate studies under the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) Long-Term Training Programme (LTTP), marking the 12th cohort since the initiative began.
Speaking during the 2025 ABE/LTTP Reporting, Send-off and Networking Event held on Wednesday, August 27, JICA Tanzania Chief Representative Hitoshi ARA said the programme aims to nurture future leaders by equipping them with advanced skills and knowledge to drive Tanzania’s development.
“Through this programme, JICA has been inviting future leaders from Tanzania to study in Japanese universities for Master’s and PhD degrees, with the expectation that they will utilise this knowledge for the country’s development,” he said, noting that over 133 Tanzanians have already benefited.
The initiative is aligned with the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) framework, which prioritises youth empowerment, long-term collaboration, and innovation-driven growth.
The event featured testimonies from alumni, including Haji Rehani Omary, who studied for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the Asia Pacific University between 2017 and 2019. He recalled that his greatest challenge was overcoming the language barrier and adapting to Japanese culture.
“Determined to succeed, I learned Japanese, which not only eased my integration but also enabled me to build valuable networks,” he told The Citizen. “These networks opened significant opportunities, and today I am working with a Japanese company based in Tanzania.”
Among the new beneficiaries is Maduhu Shija Sengerema, an official at the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA), who will pursue a Master’s degree in Water Engineering and Utility Management at TOYO University. He said he intends to focus on acquiring advanced knowledge to address the persistent challenge of Non-Revenue Water (NRW).
“NRW remains a silent destroyer for many water utilities, undermining efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 of universal access to safe water by causing both revenue losses and reduced distribution,” he explained.
Highlighting his current role, Mr Sengerema added: “At EWURA, we regulate water utilities through technical and economic oversight. This includes inspections, water and wastewater quality monitoring, providing technical input in tariff setting, and resolving complaints between service providers and consumers.”
Mr ARA urged the departing scholars to embrace not only their academic journey but also Japan’s culture and way of life, encouraging them to build friendships and networks that would be valuable in their future contributions to Tanzania’s growth.
The event also included presentations from Japanese companies exploring potential collaborations with Tanzanian professionals, underscoring the programme’s role in strengthening people-to-people ties and fostering long-term partnerships between the two nations.
