Africa Japan Forum (AJF) is a network organization that grew out of efforts to convey the voices of grassroots people in Africa to the first Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD I) in 1993. It connects individuals, NGOs, researchers, international organizations and government bodies involved with Africa, and describes itself as a forum for "re-questioning, connecting, and acting."
Its work rests on six pillars: coexistence and collaboration with Africans in Japan, network building, research, policy advocacy, promoting understanding of Africa, and support for Africa. It conducts research and advocacy with NGOs in Japan and abroad on global health, food and agriculture in Africa, and the conservation of tropical forests and other natural environments.
AJF also runs African Kids Club, a space for children with African roots living in Japan, publishes the newsletter Africa NOW and an e-mail magazine, and holds seminars and events. It obtained the Accountability Self-Check 2012 mark, reflecting its commitment to transparent management.
Key points
- In global health, AJF ran a petition campaign urging the Japanese government to contribute to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and submitted the signatures to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in September 2025
- Together with Africans living in Japan, it runs African Kids Club, a place where children can feel confident about their roots
- Through Africa NOW, its e-mail magazine and its Africa archive, it keeps sharing information that helps people understand Africa
Why this organization's work stands out
Interest in Africa is growing, yet opportunities to hear directly from people in Africa and from Africans living in Japan remain limited. AJF stands out for connecting everything from policy advocacy to creating safe spaces for children within a single network.
Its track record of more than 30 years of civil society engagement in international conferences and policy advocacy offers a reliable starting point for anyone who wants to learn about Africa.
Editor's comment
Africa can feel far away, but AJF's activities show how closely it is connected to our daily lives and to policy decisions.
Events and internship and volunteer opportunities are also available. Why not start by browsing the newsletter and seminar information on its official website?