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Welcome to the JICA South Africa Office website!
My name is Takeshi Matsuyama, the Chief Representative of JICA South Africa Office.
What comes to mind when you think of South Africa?
Some may think of the country at the southern tip of Africa, the history of apartheid, one of Africa’s largest economies, magnificent landscapes and safaris, fine wines, or perhaps challenges related to public safety.
I see South Africa as a highly attractive country—rich in diversity and tremendous potential.
South Africa is home to a wide variety of ethnic groups and cultures, and its 12 official languages reflect this diversity.
Under a progressive constitution that embraces respect for diversity as one of its fundamental principles, people from different backgrounds live and work together in society.
The country boasts one of the largest economies in Africa, supported by a vibrant mining sector built on abundant mineral resources, a strong manufacturing industry led by the automotive sector, one of Africa’s most developed financial and service industries, and a thriving tourism sector that draws on its rich natural and cultural heritage. Many Japanese companies also use South Africa as a hub for their business activities across Africa.
South Africa has also strengthened its presence in the international community, joining BRICS in 2011 and becoming the first African country to hold the G20 Presidency in 2025. I believe it plays an important role in bringing Africa’s voice to the global stage.
At the same time, the country faces significant challenges, including high unemployment, constraints in basic infrastructure such as electricity and water supply, and deep social inequalities rooted in the legacy of apartheid.
Nevertheless, South Africa possesses a strong energy and determination to overcome these challenges. I am continually inspired by the passion and commitment of the people who are striving to build a more inclusive and sustainable society.
JICA South Africa Office will mark its 30th anniversary in 2027.
Over the past three decades, we have built strong relationships of trust with the South African Government and many other partners, working together to address challenges and achieve meaningful results.
Today, our cooperation focuses on human resource development through support for basic education, vocational training, Kaizen, startup promotion, and science and technology cooperation. We also support the development of social and economic infrastructure, including water supply and electricity services. In addition, we are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind by supporting persons with disabilities and smallholder farmers.
Furthermore, leveraging South Africa’s experience and its role as a regional hub, JICA promotes regional cooperation that contributes to the development of other African countries through support for regional organizations and institutions.
One of JICA’s greatest strengths lies in connecting people, organizations, knowledge, and experience. By bringing diverse stakeholders together, we help generate new momentum for addressing social challenges and work to ensure sustainability of the result through capacity development and institutional strengthening.
In addition to South Africa, our office also covers Lesotho and Eswatini. We are committed to working closely with our partners to help the people of these countries build more prosperous and hopeful futures, while fostering the sharing of their strengths, knowledge, and experience across the African continent.
On the JICA South Africa Office Facebook page, we share updates on our projects and events, along with the stories of the people behind them.
We invite you to visit and follow us!
https://www.facebook.com/jicasaoffice