TCTP Implementation of Training for the Improvement of Mathematics and Science Education in African Countries

JICA Malaysia Office, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia and the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Education in Science and Mathematics (SEAMEO RECSAM), located in Penang, will conduct a Third Country Training Programme (TCTP)*¹ entitled “Curriculum Innovation for STEM Education: Empowering Educators in AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Emerging Technologies for Mathematics and Science” from 23 September to 13 October 2026. The programme is designed for curriculum specialists and mathematics and science teachers from African countries with the aim of improving mathematics and science education in the African region.

In recent years, many countries including African countries have been promoting curricula and teaching approaches that place greater emphasis on students’ competencies and learning outcomes. However, in many countries in Africa, challenges remain, including limited capacity among government curriculum officers and school teachers.

To address these challenges, this TCTP will be conducted by SEAMEO RECSAM*². Through this programme, participants will engage in the development of curricula and educational materials tailored to the specific needs and contexts of their respective countries. The programme will also provide practical approaches to utilizing digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR) in curriculum development as well as STEM teaching and learning. Furthermore, experts from JICA Headquarters will be invited to share Japan’s experiences in mathematics and science education reforms, together with classroom practices related to curriculum reform.

This training programme also aims to strengthen the capacity of education professionals, particularly from African countries, in developing curricula and instructional materials for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education.


*1 “Third-Country Training Program (TCTP)”: A type of technical cooperation in which JICA provides financial and technical support for training programs in which one developing country hosts trainees from another developing country. The main objective of TCTP is to share the experiences of Japan and Malaysia in specific fields and to strengthen the trainees’ ability to address various challenges in their home countries. In this region, the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been implementing the Malaysia Technical Cooperation Program (MTCP) since 1980, and since 1992, the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and JICA have been jointly conducting TCTPs.


*2 SEAMEO RECSAM. The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) is a regional intergovernmental organization established in 1965 among the governments of Southeast Asian countries to promote cooperation in education, science, and culture in the region. RECSAM (Regional Centre for Education in Science and Mathematics) is one of 26 regional centres established by SEAMEO. Specializing in science, mathematics and technology education, its goal is to enhance the quality of education in SEAMEO member countries.

Training Programme Overview:


1. Programme Outline:


　(1) Programme Title


Curriculum Innovation for STEM Education: Empowering Educators in AI and Emerging Technologies for Mathematics and Science

　(2) Implementing Organization and Venue

South East Asia Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Education in Science and Mathematics (SEAMEO RECSAM)
Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 11700 Gelugor, Penang, MALAYSIA.

Call: +6 04 6522 700
Fax: +6 04 6522 737
Email: director@recsam.edu.my


　(3) Training Period
　　23 September - 13 October 2026


　(4) Number of Participants
　　18 participants (9 in Mathematics and 9 in Science)


　(5) Target Countries
　　11 countries:

(Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, The Gambia, and Zimbabwe)

　(6) Programme Description

　This Third Country Training Programme (TCTP) aims to equip participants with fundamental knowledge and skills related to curriculum innovation, with a particular focus on strengthening their capacity to effectively integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI), emerging technologies, and digital pedagogical approaches into mathematics and science education. The programme also covers instructional design aligned with existing curriculum standards while incorporating 21st-century competencies and digital literacy.

(7) Programme Objectives:

(i) To acquire foundational knowledge of emerging educational technologies and develop the capacity to apply them in curriculum design and classroom practice.

(ii) To experience the process of improving STEM curricula through the use of digital tools and platforms and to understand how these can enhance teaching and learning outcomes.

(iii) To develop and implement technology-enhanced STEM learning materials, digital lesson plans, and assessment methods aimed at improving the quality of learning.

(iv) To identify challenges and technological gaps related to the integration and utilization of AI and emerging technologies within STEM curricula.

(v) To learn from advanced curriculum practices and gain a better understanding of national and institutional policies and frameworks that support the adoption of educational technologies.

(8) Training Methodology:

(i) Lectures and Group Discussions

(ii) Participant Presentations (Country Reports and Action Plans)

(iii) Other Activities (Educational site visits, school visits, and school try-outs/practicum sessions.)

2. Related Events:


(1) Opening Ceremony
Date: Wednesday, 23 September 2026
Venue: SEAMEO RECSAM


(2) Closing Ceremony
Date: Tuesday, 13 October 2026
Venue: SEAMEO RECSAM


Contact:

JICA Malaysia Office
Maeda Hiroshi (Mr.)
Tel: +603-2166-8900
E-mail: Maeda.Hiroshi4▲jica.go.jp
(Note: Please replace ▲ with @.)


JICA Malaysia Office
Aiman Siddiqi (Ms.)
Tel：+60-3-2166-8900
E-mail: AimanSiddiqi.MS▲jica.go.jp
(Note: Please replace ▲ with @.)