Volunteer Initiatives: Marking the 55th Anniversary of the Dispatch of JOCV in Zambia

2025 marks Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers’ (JOCV) 60th anniversary since its inception. Since the first group was dispatched to Asian countries in 1965, JOCVs have carried out grassroots-level international cooperation across the globe, with over 50,000 volunteers contributing to transformational development of countries in need. Among these regions, Africa has been a key area of activity, and Zambia stands out as one of the countries with the longest history of cooperation. Since the first volunteers were sent in 1970, JOCV’s have been active in Zambia for 55 years. More than 1,600 volunteers have been dispatched to date, contributing significantly to sustained local communities’ development in fields such as education, health, agriculture, and industrial development.

Among African nations, Zambia has built a particularly strong mutual partnership with Japan, and the work of JOCV’s is a testimony of that mutual relationship. As we celebrate the 55th anniversary of JOCV in Zambia, the program has transitioned beyond technical assistance to become a model of international cooperation based on mutual trust and human connection. To commemorate this milestone and reflect on the journey so far, photo exhibitions showcasing the activities and achievements of volunteers held in various locations. These events will also serve as an opportunity to consider the future of sustainable transformation cooperation.