The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has announced the withdrawal of its “Africa Hometown” initiative, citing widespread misunderstandings and concerns raised within Japan about the nature of the programme.

In a statement issued on Thursday, JICA said the initiative, which was first unveiled at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in August, was designed to foster exchange programmes between four Japanese municipalities and four African countries.

“At the thematic events of TICAD 9 held this August, JICA announced the ‘JICA Africa Hometown’ initiative,” the statement said. “This initiative aimed at designating four municipalities in Japan as ‘JICA Africa Hometown’ for four African countries respectively, with the goal of promoting exchanges between them through various exchange programs.”

Under the plan, Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture was paired with Nigeria, Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture with Tanzania, Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture with Ghana, and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture with Mozambique.
However, JICA explained that the way the project was framed generated confusion among the Japanese public.

“JICA believes that the very nature of this initiative—namely, the term ‘hometown’ and the fact that JICA would ‘designate’ Japanese local Governments as ‘hometowns’—led to misunderstandings and confusion within Japan, placing an excessive burden on the four municipalities. JICA sincerely apologises to the municipalities involved for causing such situation,” the agency said.

The agency stressed that the programme had not been intended to promote immigration, pushing back against speculation that it would create a pathway for Africans to relocate to Japan.

“JICA wishes to take this opportunity to reiterate that it has never undertaken initiatives to promote immigration and has no plans to do so in the future,” the statement said.

Following consultations with the municipalities and other stakeholders, JICA confirmed its decision to end the project. “JICA takes this situation seriously. After consulting with all parties involved, JICA has decided to withdraw the ‘JICA Africa Hometown’ initiative,” it said.

Despite the cancellation, JICA said it would continue working to expand cultural and developmental partnerships with African nations.

“JICA believes that promoting international exchanges, including those involving Japanese local governments and countries, including Africa, remains important. Following the withdrawal of the ‘JICA Africa Hometown’ initiative, JICA intends to continue supporting efforts to promote such international exchanges,” the agency said.

The statement added that JICA would “remain committed to providing thorough explanations to the public” regarding its activities and would maintain its “meticulous management system” over any entry and stay of foreign nationals linked to its programmes.