Applications Open for Japan-Africa Youth Program

Deadline: 08-Sep-2026

The Japan-Africa Youth Program supports young African animation professionals through an approximately 12-day exchange visit to Japan focused on anime production, professional networking, cultural exchange, technology, and co-creation. Up to 10 African animation companies or organisations may participate, with each selected organisation able to nominate up to two professionals aged 39 or younger who are nationals of African Union member states and are affiliated with an Africa-based animation studio. Japan-Africa Youth Program 2026 The Japan-Africa Youth Program is an international exchange initiative designed to strengthen collaboration between Africa’s animation industry and Japan’s anime and creative industries. The program will bring 20 young African animation professionals to Japan for approximately 12 days. Participants will visit Japanese anime production companies, related industries and educational institutions while developing professional relationships with Japanese creators and organisations. The program is organised and implemented by the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) as part of an international exchange initiative promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA). Program Objectives The Japan-Africa Youth Program aims to create long-term professional and creative connections between African and Japanese animation industries.

Key objectives include:

Strengthening animation production knowledge and skills. Promoting collaboration between African and Japanese creators. Increasing professional networking opportunities. Introducing participants to Japanese anime production practices. Supporting cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Developing leadership among young animation professionals. Encouraging cross-regional creative partnerships. Supporting co-creation between African and Japanese animation professionals. Contributing to a sustainable future through international creative collaboration. What the Japan-Africa Youth Program Offers Selected participants will travel to Japan for an approximately 12-day exchange program. During the visit, participants are expected to gain practical exposure to Japan’s animation and creative ecosystem.

Activities may include:

Visits to Japanese anime production sites. Visits to companies working in animation and related industries. Visits to educational institutions. Meetings with Japanese anime creators. Networking with Japanese animation companies and organisations. Cultural exchange activities. Learning about Japanese anime production processes. Discussions about technology and social systems. Opportunities for future animation co-production. Exchanges focused on leadership and international collaboration. The program is designed not only as a study visit but also as a platform for establishing long-term Japan-Africa animation partnerships. Who Is Eligible? The opportunity is intended for young professionals working in the African animation industry. Eligible Organisations Applications are invited from African animation companies or organisations. Up to 10 African animation companies or organisations may be selected. Each selected organisation can nominate a maximum of two participants: One company executive or decision-maker who can contribute to organisational and business-level collaboration. One creative professional involved in animation production or related creative work. This structure is intended to combine business decision-making capacity with creative production expertise. Eligible Individual Participants Candidates must meet the following requirements: Be a national of an African Union member state. Not hold Japanese nationality. Be 39 years old or younger. Be affiliated with an animation studio based in Africa. Have a strong interest in the Japanese anime industry. Demonstrate enthusiasm for animation and international collaboration. Be able to communicate in English, French or Japanese. Be willing and able to collaborate with Japanese creators. Be capable of participating in animation-related collaboration before, during and after the Japan visit. Understand the objectives and purpose of the Japan-Africa Youth Program. English or Japanese proficiency is particularly desirable because it can facilitate communication and future collaboration with Japanese partners. Who Is Not Eligible? The program generally excludes individuals who: Hold Japanese nationality. Are older than 39. Are not affiliated with an Africa-based animation studio. Reside in Japan. Have previously stayed in Japan for more than 12 months, in principle. Cannot participate in collaborative animation activities with Japanese partners. Applicants should also carefully review the official program requirements because eligibility may depend on additional conditions established by the organisers.

Participant Capacity and Selection Structure

The program plans to invite approximately 20 young African animation professionals.

The organisational structure is:

Up to 10 African animation companies or organisations may be selected. Each selected organisation can nominate up to two participants. The expected total participation is approximately 20 professionals. The two-person nomination model allows participating organisations to send both a decision-maker and a creative practitioner, strengthening the potential for future institutional and production-level partnerships. Why the Program Matters Japan has a globally influential anime and animation industry, while Africa has a rapidly developing creative economy and a growing number of animation studios and independent creators. The Japan-Africa Youth Program creates a platform where professionals from both regions can exchange knowledge and explore practical collaboration.

The opportunity can help participants:

Understand Japanese animation production workflows. Develop international professional networks. Identify potential Japanese business and creative partners. Expl