To promote sustainable development and international cooperation in the Republic of Mozambique using digital technology, the governors of Mozambique’s three northern provinces (Mr. Valige Tauabo of Cabo Delgado Province, Mr. Eduardo Abdula of Nampula Province, and Ms. Elina Judite Massengele of Niassa Province) and the Secretary General of the Northern Integrated Development Agency (ADIN), Mr. Jacinto Loureiro, visited Ehime University and held a related seminar.
This seminar was based on 17 years of academic collaboration between Ehime University and Mozambique, particularly the Lurio University. It provided a forum for multifaceted discussions on sustainable development models that utilize digital technology.
At the beginning of the ceremony, President Nishina Hiroshige referred to the long history of exchanges with Mozambique, as well as the achievements in human resource development and joint research through collaboration with the Lurio University. He also expressed his hope that both regions will develop and create new value through the use of digital technology in the future.
The seminar began with a lecture on the importance of digital human resource development by Vice President Takahashi Hiroshi, Director of the Institute for Development of Digital Human Resources (IDDHR). Following this, four speakers—Mr. Jacinto Loureiro, Mr. Valige Tauabo, Mr. Eduardo Abdula, and Ms. Elina Judite Massengele—took the stage to present on the current status and challenges of northern Mozambican provinces, their abundant natural resources and regional potential in agriculture and tourism, as well as prospects for sustainable development moving forward. The presentations provided diverse perspectives on the strengths of each province, investment opportunities, and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of local residents, offering an in-depth look at the current situation on the ground.
This was followed by presentations on various topics. These included an explanation of JICA’s digital innovation projects by Mr. Otsuka Kazuki, director of the JICA Mozambique office; Practical examples of fintech and agritech in Mozambique by Mr. Goda Makoto, CEO of Nippon Biofuel co., ltd.; and Examples of inclusive learning in Africa by Mr. Yamawaki Satoshi, CEO of Castalia Co., Ltd
Furthermore, Prof. Kobayashi Osamu, Special Aide to the President and Associate Director of the Institute for International Relations (IIR) and Ms. Fernado Veronica, Senior Assistant Professor at the Lurio University’s Faculty of Health Sciences introduced specific academic collaboration initiatives between Ehime University and Mozambique, as well as human resource development and research results in Mozambique. These presentations demonstrated the significant contributions of digital technology to solving local issues and developing human resources.
In closing, Prof. Mitsunobu Kazuhiro, Vice President and Director of the Institute for International Relations (IIR), summarized that the seminar had deepened cooperation between the two regions and expanded the possibilities for international collaboration through digital technology. He also outlined plans to strengthen cooperation toward the realization of a sustainable society.
After the seminar, a reception hosted by Ehime University’s President was held, where participants enjoyed watching videos brought by visitors from Mozambique and deepened their exchanges in a friendly atmosphere.
Ehime University will continue to develop and actively promote practical cooperation projects utilizing digital technology based on academic exchanges with Mozambique, which is a key country in its international strategy.
＜Institute for International Relations＞