Sophia University Selected for MEXT’s Inter-University Exchange Project with African Countries
Sophia University has been selected for MEXT’s FY2025 “Inter-University Exchange Project – Support for the Formation of Inter-University Exchanges with Global South Countries, Type II: Africa.”
Among private universities, Sophia is the only institution selected through an independent application. This selection recognizes the university’s long-standing achievements in educational and research exchange with Africa and reflects high expectations for its future initiatives.
The selected program, titled “The development of leaders who contribute to solving global environmental challenges through international collaboration,” will run for five years in partnership with seven universities across Africa. Through a co-learning platform that combines lectures and practical training, students will gain hands-on experience in identifying and addressing global issues, developing into future leaders with interdisciplinary expertise and strong international collaboration skills.
Partner Institutions
- Stellenbosch University, South Africa
- Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology, Egypt
- Université Jésuite d’Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Côte d’Ivoire
- Arrupe Jesuit University, Zimbabwe
- University of Ghana, Ghana
- Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Senegal
For the full list of selected universities and further details, please visit the following website (information available in Japanese): https://www.jsps.go.jp/j-tenkairyoku/kekka.html
Sophia University and Africa
Africa, a region of rapid economic growth and increasing global presence, is a strategic focus of Sophia University’s internationalization efforts. As of October 1, 2025, the university has partnership agreements with 17 institutions in 14 African countries.
Sophia has strengthened its engagement with Africa through education, research, and exchange. The annual “Africa Weeks” event promotes understanding of the region, while partnerships with international organizations such as the African Development Bank and local educational institutions enhance academic collaboration.
Research on Africa is led by the Institute of Asian, African, and Middle Eastern Studies, which plays a central role in advancing academic studies related to the region. Educational programs on Africa are actively offered in the Faculty of Foreign Studies, Faculty of Global Studies, Graduate School of Global Studies, and Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies.
Sophia also provides opportunities for Japanese and African students to learn together through the Model African Union, co-hosted with JICA and UNDP, and the short-term study program “Learning from Africa.” In August 2025, during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, Sophia collaborated with international partners to host thematic events, contributing to global dialogue and cooperation.