Applications are now open for the Fully Funded Masters African Business Education Initiative 2026 for Innovative Youths in Japan
At the 5th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD V), held in 2013, the “African Business Education Initiative for Youth” (ABE Initiative) was announced.
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This strategic plan offers young Africans the chance to pursue a Master’s degree at Japanese universities and complete an internship at a Japanese company. The initiative aims to support the development of African industries and to cultivate a strong human network that bridges Africa and Japan. The program was renewed as “ABE Initiative 3.0” at TICAD 7, with the goal of providing opportunities for 3,000 African youth to study and intern in Japan over a six-year period. You can read our guide on the ultimate guide to student loans for international students if you’re exploring other study abroad options.
Program Summary
- Application Deadline: Varies by Country
- Host: Japanese Universities & Enterprises
- Category: Master’s Degree & Internship
- Eligible Countries: All 54 African countries (specific deadlines provided below)
- Reward: Fully Funded
- Program Duration: 2–3 years, beginning September 2026
Program Details
The ABE Initiative is designed to foster a new generation of leaders who can serve as a bridge between Africa and Japan. Its primary objectives are to:
- Support young people who are committed to contributing to the development of industries in Africa. For more information, you can check out our guide on the top 10 qualities of scholarship winners.
- Cultivate individuals who can act as a link between Africa and Japan by gaining a deep understanding of Japanese society and business culture. This program offers a fully funded opportunity, similar to what you can learn about in our guide on how to win a fully funded undergraduate scholarship.
The program is divided into two main tracks:
- African Business Education Initiative (ABE Initiative): This track is open to both public and private sector applicants and provides opportunities for Master’s degree studies and internships in Japan.
- SDGs Global Leadership Program: This track is open to government officials only. It offers opportunities for Master’s and Doctoral studies and is specifically designed for young and mid-level officials who want to contribute to policy formulation and implementation related to sustainable development issues.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be under 40 years of age as of April 1, 2026.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree and have relevant work experience.
Required Documents
To complete your application, you will need to submit the following documents:
- Application Form. You can get tips on how to apply for scholarships successfully.
- Career Plan after Graduation.
- Research Plan.
- Proof of English proficiency (such as TOEFL or IELTS), where required by the host university. You can prepare for this by reading our guide on language proficiency test preparation.
How to Apply
The application process varies by country. Please check the information below to find the deadline and contact information for your specific location.
- Cote d’Ivoire:
- République Démocratique du Congo:
- Kenya:
- Tunisia:
Application Deadline: Varies by Country
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Check your JICA Country Office for Details
Visit the Official Webpage of the ABE Initiative
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the ABE Initiative? The ABE Initiative is a fully funded program that offers young Africans the opportunity to study a Master’s degree and complete an internship in Japan.
- Who is eligible to apply for the ABE Initiative? The program is open to African youth under 40 years of age with a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience.
- What is the difference between the ABE Initiative and the SDGs Global Leadership Program? The ABE Initiative is for both public and private sector applicants, while the SDGs Global Leadership Program is exclusively for government officials.
- What is the program duration? The program typically lasts for 2 to 3 years, depending on the chosen graduate course and the duration of the internship.
- Is an internship a compulsory part of the program? Yes, the ABE Initiative provides opportunities for internships at Japanese enterprises.
- Are there any age restrictions for applicants? Yes, applicants must be under 40 years of age as of April 1, 2026.
- Do I need a specific degree to be eligible? You must hold a bachelor’s degree with relevant work experience.
- What are the key required documents? The key required documents include the Application Form, Career Plan, Research Plan, and proof of English proficiency.
- Do I need to be a government official to apply? No, the ABE Initiative is open to both public and private sector applicants. The SDGs Global Leadership Program is for government officials only.
- When do applications close? The application deadline varies by country. You must check the specific deadline for your country as listed in the guide.
