OYDC Zambia Welcomes Japan-Africa Youth Program Delegation

OYDC Zambia – Sports Development Centre welcomed a delegation of Japanese undergraduate and graduate students participating in the Japan-Africa Youth Program, providing an opportunity for cultural exchange, youth engagement and learning through sport.

The Japan-Africa Youth Program is an initiative of the Government of Japan implemented by the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), aimed at promoting mutual understanding and strengthening relations between Japanese and African youth.

The delegation’s visit to OYDC Zambia formed part of their programme in Zambia and provided the students with an opportunity to learn more about sports development and youth empowerment in Zambia, while experiencing the role sport plays in bringing young people from different cultures together.

The delegation was welcomed by OYDC Zambia Acting Chief Executive Officer Benjamin Tembo, who received the visiting students at the Centre.

The students were taken on a tour of OYDC Zambia by Technical Director Elton Zulu and Programmes Manager Mwange Kampamba, who introduced them to the Centre’s facilities and explained its role in supporting sports development and youth empowerment.

The delegation also visited the Judo Association of Zambia (JAZ) Secretariat, which is based at OYDC Zambia, where they were welcomed by JAZ General Secretary Mabvuto Ng’uni.

JAZ Administrative Director Carol Chipupu delivered a presentation on judo in Zambia, giving the students an insight into the Association, the growth and development of judo in the country, its programmes and activities, and the role of the sport in youth development and community engagement.

The Japanese students also witnessed a judo demonstration by Zambian judokas, providing them with an opportunity to experience the sport and interact with young athletes practising judo in Zambia.

The programme also featured a tree-planting activity, symbolising the shared commitment to environmental sustainability and strengthening the bonds between Zambia and Japan.

As part of the cultural exchange, the visiting Japanese students gave a presentation and performance showcasing aspects of Japanese culture and sharing their experiences as participants in the Japan-Africa Youth Program.

The cultural exchange provided an opportunity for the Japanese visitors and Zambian participants to learn from one another beyond the sporting environment, reinforcing the importance of youth engagement, friendship and cross-cultural understanding.

The visit highlighted the role of OYDC Zambia as a platform for sports development, youth empowerment and international exchange, while demonstrating how sport can connect young people across cultures and create opportunities for shared learning and understanding.

Through hosting initiatives such as the Japan-Africa Youth Program, OYDC Zambia continues to promote the use of sport as a tool for youth development, cultural exchange, friendship and social connection