Japan Clarifies Scope of JICA Africa Hometown Programme Amid Confusion Over Visa Policy
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Japan’s Foreign Ministry has reiterated that the JICA Africa Hometown initiative is not an immigration scheme but a cultural and developmental exchange framework designed to strengthen bilateral ties.
The programme, announced during TICAD9 in Yokohama, pairs African nations with Japanese cities: Nigeria with Kisarazu, Tanzania with Nagai, Ghana with Sanjo, and Mozambique with Imabari. The goal, officials explained, is to foster people-to-people exchanges, joint community projects, and skills transfer through JICA volunteers and local government collaborations.
While Nigeria’s State House earlier suggested the programme included a special visa category for Nigerians to live and work in Kisarazu, Tokyo has firmly denied this, calling the reports “misleading and untrue.” The ministry warned against misinformation that could create false expectations among Nigerians.
Diplomatic observers note that the clarification underscores Japan’s cautious approach to immigration, even as it seeks deeper cooperation with Africa in areas such as trade, infrastructure, and technology.
For Nigeria, the focus now shifts to how the Kisarazu partnership will practically benefit citizens through structured exchange programmes without direct immigration opportunities.
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