Retired President, Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, as Chairman of the Board of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), is in Tokyo, Japan on a special visit aimed at strengthening cooperation between GPE and the Japanese government in addressing the challenges of basic education in developing countries.
On his first day in Tokyo, Dr. Kikwete held talks with the Japanese Minister of Finance, Mr. Shin-ichi Yokohama, and his Deputy, Mr. Atsushi Mimura.
The talks focused on financial cooperation to support education projects managed by GPE, including access to resources to improve the learning environment for children in developing countries.
After the talks, Retired President Kikwete met with Mr. Akihiko Tanaka, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
This agency has made significant contributions to development projects in Africa, and the talks focused on how JICA can support GPE’s efforts in promoting quality education.
Dr. Kikwete also met with Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of the Nippon Foundation. Mr. Sasakawa, 86, is a prominent figure in supporting social projects around the world.
In their conversation, they touched on the role of the private sector in supporting education, especially through non-governmental organizations.
Similarly, Mr. Sasakawa surprised the world after successfully climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on February 12, 2024, as part of his 85th birthday celebrations – a move that proves that age is no barrier to big dreams.
In the coming days, Retired President Kikwete is expected to meet with the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. T. Miyaji, as well as members of the Japanese Diet, where the main agenda will be the role of education and technology in social development.
He will also participate in special discussions on education and technology, conduct interviews with the media, and meet with Mr. Tetsuro Yano, President of the AFRECO Foundation, which is responsible for promoting cooperation between Japan and
This visit is part of Dr. Kikwete’s ongoing efforts to improve education systems around the world, especially in developing countries.
Japan is a key partner in the development of education in Africa, and this partnership can play a significant role in ensuring that more children have access to quality education.
