JICA and the Government of Indonesia Further Strengthen Asia-Africa Cooperation through the Second Trade and Investment Promotion Training

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Indonesia, following the successful implementation of the inaugural Trade and Investment Promotion Training in 2025, are jointly conducting the second Training of Trade and Investment Promotion to further strengthen trade and investment cooperation between Indonesia and African countries.

An opening ceremony was held on 28 September 2026 to mark the commencement of the training. The event was attended by Mr. Djatmiko Bris Witjaksono, Head of the Agency for Trade and Human Resources Development, Ministry of Trade, Mr. Setya Utama the Secretary of Ministry of State Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia, Ms. Takeda Sachiko the Chief Representative of JICA Indonesia, and Mr. Watanabe Tetsuya, President of President of The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA). The Ambassadors of Rwanda, Mozambique, and Tanzania to Indonesia also attended the ceremony, underscoring the importance of the initiative in enhancing Indonesia-Africa relations.

The training represents a tangible outcome of the Memorandum of Cooperation signed between JICA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia during the Indonesia-Africa Forum held in September 2024. The initiative reflects the shared commitment of Indonesia and Japan to fostering economic partnerships and strengthening capacities for trade and investment promotion across Africa.

The second Trade and Investment Promotion Training is being held in Jakarta from 28 September to 7 October 2026, bringing together fourteen (14) government officials from six (6) African countries: Ethiopia, Mozambique, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, and Tanzania. In addition, two observers from the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat (AfCFTA) and East African Community (EAC) have been invited to participate in the program.

The 2026 training focuses on East African countries in recognition of their growing contribution to the continent’s economic development. In her opening remarks, Takeda Sachiko, Chief Representative of JICA Indonesia, emphasized the strategic importance of the region: “As one of the fastest-growing regions in the continent, East Africa plays vital role in driving economic growth, regional integration, trade expansion, and investment opportunities across Africa”, said Takeda Sachiko, the Chief Representative of JICA Indonesia during her remarks.

Over the course of the ten-day program, participants will gain comprehensive insights into key issues, challenges, opportunities, and best practices in trade and investment promotion, drawing particularly on the experiences of Indonesia and Japan. The training also provides a valuable platform for participants to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and strengthen cooperation networks for cooperation in trade and investment promotion between Indonesia and African countries, as well as among African countries.

To further enrich participants’ understanding of regional economic integration and cooperation, the program includes sessions delivered by the ASEAN Secretariat and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA). These sessions will offer perspectives on ASEAN’s experience in promoting regional trade, investment, and economic integration, providing relevant lessons for African stakeholders.

Through this initiative, JICA and the Government of Indonesia reaffirm their commitment to supporting sustainable economic growth, strengthening South-South and Triangular Cooperation, and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships between Asia and Africa.