The federal government of Nigeria has secured a deal with the Japanese government, naming Kisarazu city as Nigeria’s hometown. The development is a win for Nigerian tech talents to work and live, innovate and be productive in the Asian country.
A statement on Friday signed by the Director of Information at the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye, explained that the deal was announced on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development. The strategic partnership will create a special category of Visa for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians who are willing to work in Kisarazu.
“Artisans and other blue-collar workers from Nigeria who are ready to upskill will also benefit from the special dispensation visa to work in Japan,” part of the statement reads.
The Japanese government acknowledged Nigeria’s abundant talent and the growing population of young people. It added that the initiative will bolster their skills, strengthen the partnership and the economy of both countries.
Aside from naming Kisarazu as Nigeria’s hometown, the Japanese government also tagged three cities to three African countries. The city of Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture for Tanzania’s hometown, Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture to Ghana, and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture for Mozambique’s hometown.
Japan’s ambition is to strengthen the economy and trade with African countries to foster cooperation. Naming of the municipalities as hometowns enhances connection and promotes existing relationships with the four African countries. Also, Japan hopes that these collaborations will increase the cities’ population in the long run.
In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Kisarazu was the official host town of the Nigerian contingent. The team conducted their pre-games training camps and acclimatisation in the city before moving to the Olympic village, in the competition that was delayed due to COVID-19.
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Japan invests $5.5 billion in Nigeria and African talents
At the TICAD9 (Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development), Japan announced a new $5.5 billion investment for African development. The fund will be deployed to reinforce African talents with a focus on enhancing youth innovation, women’s empowerment and regional integration for economic growth.
Japan is currently faced with an ageing population, aiming to tap into Africa’s evolving talents for support. Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stressed that the solution is to invest in Africa and get familiar with the region.
“Japan is providing various cooperation and support for Africa. But first of all, Japan needs to know more about Africa. So, in creating solutions together, this co-creation at the TICAD 9, we focus on three important areas: private sector-led sustainable growth, Youth and Women, and Regional integration and connectivity within and beyond Africa,” he said.
In 2024, it was estimated that approximately 60% of Africa’s population is under the age of 25, making it the continent with the youngest population globally. Notably, the number is expected to increase substantially by 2030 and is projected to reach 830 million by 2050.
For African countries and Nigeria, Japan, the third-largest global economy, seems the surest source for investment. Thus, they will look to strengthen sustainable growth and strategic partnerships with the Japanese government.
At the summit, Nigeria will seek to extend its $1 billion trade with Japan, which will be used to strengthen growth in high-tech innovations, trade and agriculture. This also extends to sectors including renewable energy, healthcare and information technology.
While addressing the role of technology earlier this week, President Bola Tinubu sought international collaboration to make technology a tool for positive change, peace and trust, rather than division.
For Nigerian youths and talents, the partnership creates a support system for innovation display. It creates the platform to aim high and improve their skills on the global stage.