The JICA Scholarship Program has been implemented for government officials, private-sector personnel, researchers, and others from developing countries. Its purpose is to strengthen each country’s socioeconomic development and foster medium- to long-term cooperative relations with Japan through degree acquisition and human resource development at Japanese graduate schools and other institutions. In Africa, since the announcement at TICAD V in 2013, JICA has provided young African professionals with opportunities for graduate education in Japan and internships in Japanese companies. This contributes to cultivating pro-Japan personnel and building sustainable human networks with Japan. Meanwhile, amid intensifying global competition for international students, expectations from developing countries are diversifying and becoming more sophisticated. Consequently, JICA Scholarship Program is required to go beyond merely providing study opportunities. They must strengthen mechanisms for deepening relationships with Japan through internships and enhance program quality through precise matching between students and universities. Furthermore, expanding the network of Japan-friendly and Japan-knowledgeable individuals through study abroad, strengthening post-program follow-up systems, and forming sustainable alumni networks are critical challenges. This necessitates further improvements in program quality and strategic focus.

This survey aims to strategically enhance JICA Scholarship Program while fostering the development of a sustainable and collaborative network of JICA scholars and alumni composed of outstanding individuals. It seeks to gather relevant information, identify current challenges and issues, and utilize these findings to improve future program operations.

We conducted field survey in four countries: Kenya, South Africa, and Côte d’Ivoire as our primary target countries, along with Sri Lanka, which was selected as a reference case for examining initiatives across African nations. The survey, primarily consisting of interviews, focused on three key areas: 1) optimizing candidate recruitment and selection processes, 2) understanding the status of the alumni network and formulating strategies for its enhancement, and 3) redefining the additional value of studying in Japan and strengthening its branding. We also conducted interviews with relevant parties within Japan.
Following the survey, we identified challenges in each area, compiled improvement measures and recommendations, and also produced promotional tools such as short videos and web pages to convey the appeal of studying in Japan.