From the seminar

The only centre in Africa for Japanese studies, GIBS does its best to bring experts in their fields here and has positioned itself as centre for business interactions to promote mutual understanding between Africa and Japan through collaboration, conferences and seminars. Japan also learns from us!” — Professor Cyril Hartell, director: Centre for Japanese Studies, University of Pretoria

“TICAD means a special kind of partnership with Africa. It is not Japan imposing an agenda on us but mobilising international support for Africa. In 1990, people were forgetting Africa and Japan is promoting Africa. This creates enormous opportunities – both business and academic. Of utmost importance is that we make an environment conducive for Japan. One of the biggest aspects is peace, stability and security, without which we will not receive investment. Japan is the third biggest contributor to UN peacekeeping and peacekeeping is a very important part of investment.” — Professor Garth Lawrence Shelton, associate professor, University of the Witwatersrand