JICA Rwanda

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[JICA Rwanda @JicainRwanda]

Day 1 Highlights for BOSAI Exhibition and Research Dialogue in Rwanda, happening from 12th to 13th March 2026 co-organized by @JicainRwanda and @RwandaEmergency #DisasterResilience #Bosai

[JICA Rwanda @JicainRwanda]

List of Japanese Companies Present at BOSAI Exhibition and Research Dialogue in Rwanda, from 12th to 13th March 2026 co-organized by @JicainRwanda and @RwandaEmergency #DisasterResilience #BOSAI

[JICA Rwanda @JicainRwanda]

Press Release : JICA Welcomes a New Chief Representative, Mr. SAKAMOTO ATSUKI

Mr. SAKAMOTO Atsuki has been appointed as Chief Representative of JICA Rwanda office, succeeding Ms. SHIOTSUKA Minako who has been in the position for 3 years and 4 months since February 2023. As part of the leadership transition, Ms. SHIOTSUKA and Mr. SAKAMOTO paid a series of courtesy visits to Hon. Yusuf Murangwa, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Hon. Yves Iradukunda the Minister of State in the Ministery of ICT and Innovation, Hon.Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Hon. Joseph Nsengimana, the Minister of Education and other high-ranking officials. During these meetings, Ms. SHIOTSUKA expressed her farewell greetings, while Mr. SAKAMOTO was introduced as the new Chief Representative.

Mr. SAKAMOTO returns to Rwanda, having previously worked at the JICA Rwanda Office from 2015 to 2017, where he was engaged in value-added agriculture and business development, focusing on human resource development and partnerships with private companies. His career also includes private sector development as Director of the Private Sector Development Group, Economic Development Department at JICA, as well as an assignment at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

As Ms. SHIOTSUKA Minako handed over her duties to the new Chief Representative, she reaffirmed JICA’s strong commitment to Rwanda’s development. Reflecting on her tenure, she expressed appreciation for the close partnerships and trust built with the Government of Rwanda and various stakeholders. “Development is a shared journey. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside dedicated partners in Rwanda, and I believe that the foundation we have built together will continue to support sustainable and inclusive growth,” she said.

Building on this foundation, Mr. SAKAMOTO, who has maintained a close connection with Rwanda and had long looked forward to returning, said as he assumed his new role: “Since my arrival, I have already seen how Rwanda’s development has accelerated over the past decade. With co-creation and innovation as key principles, I look forward to working with the Government and people of Rwanda, development partners, private companies, universities, and other stakeholders to advance Rwanda’s Vision 2050 through an effective and inclusive development cooperation.”

*About JICA:
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as the implementing agency of the Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) endeavors to use Japan’s experience to support developing nations make progress in line with their own culture. JICA reopened the office in Rwanda in 2005.

[JICA Rwanda @JicainRwanda]

JICA Chief Representatives Visit the Ministry of ICT & Innovation and RISA

The outgoing Chief Representative of the JICA Rwanda Office, Ms. Shiotsuka Minako, and the incoming Chief Representative, Mr. Sakamoto Atsuki, paid courtesy visits to Mr. Yves Iradukunda, Minister of State at @RwandaICT , and Mr. Antoine Sebera, CEO of @RISARwanda .

Discussions focused on the longstanding partnership between JICA and Rwanda’s ICT sector since 2013. The Minister commended JICA’s support in strengthening the innovation ecosystem, including FabLab, kLab, and the development of Innovation Hubs (Hanga Hubs) in three secondary cities.

JICA’s support in advancing digital innovation through pilot initiatives such as Procurement for Public Innovation (PPI) and Proof of Concept (PoC), as well as sector co-chairing and capacity-building programs, was also appreciated.

Future collaboration was discussed, particularly JICA’s upcoming AI initiatives aimed at further accelerating support to the sector.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration in advancing Rwanda’s ICT sector and digital transformation. @yves_Iradukunda @TonySebera #AI #ICT #Innovation #InnovationEcosystem #InnovationHub #Japan #Rwanda #JICA

[JICA Rwanda @JicainRwanda]

On June 23rd 2026, morning time, Ms. SHIOTSUKA Minako and Mr. SAKAMOTO Atsuki (respectively the outgoing and incoming Chief Representatives of the JICA Rwanda Office,) paid courtesy call to NCDA's DG.

Discussions focused on IFNA training implementation and scale up, progress of the fish powder intervention with agreement to promote its use after validation and strengthening private sector engagement in production of nutrient-rich food products such as Furikake.

Furikake is a powdered condiment made by drying ingredients such as fish, vegetables, or meat and sprinkling it over rice. Both sides reaffirmed to continued collaboration on improved nutrition outcomes. @Rwanda_Child @MinakoSHIOTSUKA @Rwanda_Edu @RwandaHealth @iassumpta @gmunyemana @AmonRwasamanzi

[JICA Rwanda @JicainRwanda]

On June 23rd 2026, Ms. SHIOTSUKA Minako and Mr. SAKAMOTO Atsuki , the outgoing and incoming Chief Representatives of the JICA Rwanda Office, respectively, together with Ms. FUKASAWA Tomoko, the newly arrived staff in charge of Education, paid a courtesy call on the Honorable Minister of Education, Mr. Joseph Nsengimana.

During the meeting, the Honorable Minister expressed his sincere appreciation to the outgoing Chief Representative for her valuable contributions to the education sector, in which JICA has about 20 year’s experiences in Rwanda.

Discussions focused on the ongoing Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) reforms, as JICA’s support for teachers training through PRISM project, and emphasized to utilize asset of the projects. In addition, both sides exchanged views on cooperation in the field of TVET though Rwanda Polytechnic (RP) known as QUEST, which is aims to strengthening linkages with industry and improve graduates’ employability. The Honorable Minister and the new CR of JICA confirm further the strong and enduring partnership between Rwanda and Japan. #Rwanda @Japan #Education #TVT @RwandaGov @JoNsengimana @Rwanda_Edu @RwandaPolytec @MinakoSHIOTSUKA

[JICA Rwanda @JicainRwanda]

On Friday 19th June 2026 Ms. SHIOTSUKA Minako and Mr. SAKAMOTO Atsuki (respectively the outgoing and incoming Chief Representatives of JICA Rwanda Office) paid a courtesy call on Hon. Minister Yusuf MURANGWA of MINECOFIN.

The Minister commended the strong Rwanda-Japan partnership and highlighted JICA's support in reducing Non-Revenue Water through both financing and capacity development, as well as its contribution to traffic management. He emphasized that sustainable progress requires not only resources, but also the skills and knowledge needed to achieve lasting results.

Looking ahead, he identified agriculture, particularly irrigation and productivity enhancement, technology, and private sector engagement as key drivers of Rwanda's future development, while stressing the importance of soft skills.

Ms. Shiotsuka, expressed her appreciation for Rwanda's open and collaborative leadership. She reaffirmed the value of technical cooperation and capacity development with successful approaches now being expanded to other areas. She noted that these achievements contribute to the implementation of NST2 and Rwanda's Vision 2050. @MinakoSHIOTSUKA @yusuf_murangwa @RwandaFinance

[JICA - Japan International Cooperation Agency @jica_direct_en]

🇵🇭【From Philippine farms to Japanese tables 🍌】

Japan is a nation of #banana lovers, with households consuming about 18 kilograms per year on average. Japan imports approximately 1 million tons annually — around 80% of which comes from the #Philippines !

[JICA Rwanda @JicainRwanda]

On June 18th 2026, Ms. SHIOTSUKA Minako and Mr. SAKAMOTO Atsuki (respectively the outgoing and incoming Chief Representatives of JICA Rwanda Office) paid a courtesy visit to WASAC’s CEO. Discussions focused on the Masaka Water Supply Project which is under the feasibility study and will be extended to serve the water to eastern Kigali & Rwamagana . The CEO reaffirmed WASAC’s strong interest and commitment to advancing it toward implementation.

@wasac_rwanda @RwandaInfra @MinakoSHIOTSUKA

[Ministry of Agriculture & Animal Resources |Rwanda @RwandaAgri]

Today, Hon. Minister @T_Ndabamenye received Ms. Shiotsuka Minako, outgoing Chief Representative of @JicainRwanda, and Mr. Sakamoto Atsuki, incoming Chief Representative, on a courtesy call.
#AgriUpdatesRw

[JICA Rwanda @JicainRwanda]

“Yesterday, “Ms. Shiotsuka Minako and Mr. SAKAMOTO Atsuki (respectively the outgoing and incoming Chief Representatives of JICA Rwanda Office), had a fruitful exchange with the Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Mr. Telesphore Ndabamenye.

Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration to scale up proven models such as the WAMCAB irrigation approach, expanding efforts to reduce post-harvest losses across FOBASI and at the national level, and further build the capacity of key agricultural actors. Enhancing private sector engagement for sustainable sector development was also emphasized.

JICA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Rwanda in transforming agriculture into a driver of job creation, income generation, food sovereignty, and nutrition security, as well as sustainable rural development”. @RwandaAgri @MinakoSHIOTSUKA @T_Ndabamenye

[JICA Rwanda @JicainRwanda]

On Wednesday June 17th , Ms. Shiotsuka Minako and Mr. SAKAMOTO Atsuki (respectively the outgoing and incoming Chief Representatives of JICA Rwanda Office), held a productive meeting with the leadership of NAEB (CEO and COO).   

The discussions focused on further strengthening our long-standing partnership, including advancing data-driven extension through the Rwanda Coffee Digital School, promoting the Mibirizi variety as Rwanda’s premium specialty coffee, and scaling up proven cooperative development models.

Both sides reaffirmed their strong collaboration and shared commitment to enhancing the competitiveness and global recognition of Rwanda’s coffee sector” @RwandaAgri @RwandAgriExport @MinakoSHIOTSUKA @_claudebizimana

[JICA Rwanda @JicainRwanda]

This morning JICA, IOM and MINEMA met with Executive Officer of Nyabihu District, Mr. David Mugiraneza and DDMO Mr. Simon

We shared the purpose and objectives of the survey and the upcoming assessment, as we shared with the Mayor of Musanze yesterday.

Mr. David, the Executive Officer, highlighted the same challenges Musanze District mentioned: lack of shelter, land conflicts, and unemployment

They requested the survey to also focus on capacity building for both returnees and host communities, family planning, financial training, and conflict resolution. @IOMRwanda @NyabihuDistrict @MusanzeDistrict @RwandaNorth @RwandaEmergency

[JICA Rwanda @JicainRwanda]

Yesterday, JICA team, IOM and MINEMA paid a courtesy visit to the Mayor of Musanze District, Mr. Claudien Nsengimana and the District Disaster Management Officer (DDMO).

Tthe team briefed the Mayor on the JICA and IOM collaborative initiative on Resilient and Cohesive communities, explained the purpose and objectives of the survey along with information on the upcoming assessment that will be conducted in six target sectors, including Kinigi Sector, which hosts a high number of returnees.

The Mayor expressed his appreciation for the courtesy visit and reaffirmed the District's commitment to supporting the initiative The District Disaster Management Officer, Mr. Jean d’Amour Ndagijimana, provided an overview of the returnee and disaster management situation in Musanze District.

@RwandaEmergency @IOMRwanda @MusanzeDistrict

[Embassy of Japan in Rwanda🇯🇵🇷🇼 @japaninrwanda]

Are you interested in studying in Japan?

Join the upcoming online information session to know more about it. The session will cover Japanese universities, programs, and everything you need to know to get started!
📅 June 16/July 4
⏰11:00 - 13:00
#JapaninRwanda🇯🇵🇷🇼 #StudyinJapan

[JICA Rwanda @JicainRwanda]

In their closing remarks, both the Director General of the Rwanda Basic Education Board and the JICA Chief Representative commended the dedicated efforts of all those involved in the project and emphasized the importance of sustaining its impact by embedding successful PRISM approaches into TTC operations and teacher education programs.

The JICA Chief Representative, in particular, reflected on the past five years, noting that the journey was not always easy. However, by believing in themselves and in one another, and by embracing trial and error along the way, everyone involved achieved truly remarkable results. She highlighted that this spirit lies at the very heart of JICA’s technical cooperation.

As she prepares to leave her post at the end of this month, she expressed her heartfelt hope that the assets developed through PRISM will continue to thrive and grow within Rwanda. With these words, the workshop concluded on a hopeful and confident note.

[JICA Rwanda @JicainRwanda]

Happening now at the Rwanda Basic Education Board!

Marking 5 years of PRISM in action!

All 16 Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) are gathered in Kigali to reflect on a five-year journey of improving teacher education.

As the Project to Strengthen Primary School Mathematics and Science with the Use of ICT (PRISM), (implemented in collaboration with MINEDUC/REB and JICA), approaches its conclusion, a closing seminar is currently taking place.

In today’s seminar, project beneficiaries—including TTC Principals, District Directors of Education, Deputy Heads of Studies, and student teachers—are coming together to share their experiences and highlight the impact of the project.

The project has used ICT as a catalyst for collaboration, continuous feedback, and improved learning support.
@Rwanda_Edu @REBRwanda @Rwanda_PRISM

[JICA Rwanda @JicainRwanda]

🇯🇵🇷🇼 As her departure approaches, Ms. Shiotsuka Minako, Chief Representative of the JICA Rwanda Office, paid a courtesy call to Mr. Gaspard Twagirayezu, CEO of @RwandaSpace .

The meeting reaffirmed the strong and enduring partnership between Japan and Rwanda, grounded in a shared vision of harnessing space and digital technologies for socio-economic development.🛰️
#Rwanda #Japan #JICA #SpaceForDevelopment #Space