Volunteer Program

JICA concluded an Exchange of Notes with the Government of Namibia in December 2004 for the dispatch of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV, now known as the JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers Program). In March 2006, JICA established its Namibia Office (originally the JICA Namibia Coordinator Office). Later that same year, the first four JOCV members were dispatched, marking the beginning of JICA volunteer activities in Namibia.

Since then, JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers have worked alongside local communities throughout Namibia, contributing to human resource development and technology transfer in a wide range of fields, including education, vocational training, agriculture, environmental conservation, and community development. In particular, many volunteers have been engaged in mathematics and science education, computer education, special needs education, and vocational training at schools and training institutions, thereby supporting Namibia’s human resource development efforts.

In 2026, the JICA Namibia Office celebrated its 20th anniversary. As of July 2026, a cumulative total of 177 JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers had been dispatched to Namibia. Living within local communities, these volunteers continue to work together with Namibian people to address various social and developmental challenges. Beyond technical cooperation, the JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers Program also plays an important role in promoting mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and Namibia.