My training experience in JICA Chubu

My name is Evah Boemo MOSETLHANE and I am an ex-participant of JICA Training.My three-week stay at JICA Chubu Centre in Nagoya, Japan, for the SMME Development & Promotion Young Leader's program, was an amazing experience. Alongside 12 other youths from Africa and the Asia Pacific countries, I gained valuable insights into Japan's SME ecosystem, where SMEs account for a remarkable 99.7% of businesses.

Throughout the program, we had the opportunity to uncover Japan's strategies for accomplishing this remarkable feat. A standout best practice for me is their outcome-based subsidy system, which is a robust mechanism through which the Japanese government reinvests in SMEs. We had the pleasure of visiting some of the beneficiaries of these subsidies such as machine leasing, and appreciated the high-level equipment and technologies that enabled the companies to improve their productivity and scale up.

Another noteworthy practice is the government's accreditation of SME consultants, ensuring only accredited experts provide advisory services. As a Business Consultant myself, I understand the value of quality advisory services to safeguard and extract the most value out of the government investment in the ecosystem.

Lastly, Japan's innovation, especially at the startup level, was eye-opening. Visiting an innovation incubation hub powered by Toyota showcased their commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and technology advancement among local SMMEs, particularly manufacturers, amidst the rapidly changing business environment. In reflecting on this enlightening experience, I believe Botswana can glean from this ecosystem to bolster our own SME landscape and I look forward to sharing think knowledge with collaborators.