The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has halted its “JICA Africa Hometown” project after criticism and misunderstanding from Japanese municipal authorities.
In a statement released Thursday, September 25, the agency confirmed it was discontinuing the initiative, which had been introduced in August at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9). The plan aimed to pair four Japanese municipalities with four African nations to encourage cultural and economic collaboration.
Reasons for the Cancellation
JICA explained that using the word “hometown” and designating specific municipalities created widespread confusion and unexpected pressure on the participating local governments.
“The concept involved setting up exchange programs between Japanese municipalities, the relevant African countries, and JICA, with details to follow,” the agency said. “However, the terminology and the idea of officially naming local governments as ‘hometowns’ caused misunderstandings and placed an undue burden on the four cities.”
JICA apologized to the municipalities involved and said discussions with stakeholders led to the decision to withdraw the plan.
Clarifying Immigration Concerns
The agency also addressed rumors that the initiative was connected to immigration, stressing that none of its programs promote or facilitate immigration and that no such plans exist.
Instead, JICA reaffirmed its intention to continue supporting partnerships and exchanges between Japanese local governments and African countries through other, less controversial channels.
Background
In August, Nigeria’s State House announced that Japan would introduce a special visa for highly skilled young Nigerians to live and work in Kisarazu. Under the now-scrapped framework, Kisarazu was to serve as Nigeria’s designated “hometown,” while three other Japanese cities were to partner with Tanzania, Ghana, and Mozambique.
Kisarazu officials later clarified that the arrangement did not involve immigration plans for Nigerians.
Next Steps
While the “Africa Hometown” initiative has ended, JICA emphasized that it remains committed to fostering educational, business, and cultural ties between Japan and African nations just without the “hometown” label that caused confusion
