Embassy of Japan and JTI reached an agreement to provide scholarships to Ethiopian students
The Embassy also funded the construction of Boarding Training Center in Dukem Town
ADDIS ABABA (Embassy of Japan) – The Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia and Japan Tobacco International (JTI), which is a major shareholder of National Tobacco Enterprise in Ethiopia, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 21st May 2021. The MOU, signed by Ito Takako (Japan’s Ambassador to Ethiopia) and Mr. Grant Mowat (JTI’s representative in Ethiopia), formulates cooperation framework between the two parties in an effort to provide scholarships to prospective postgraduate students from Ethiopia to study in Japan. Ambassador Ito Takako expressed her appreciation towards JTI for providing such educational opportunity to Ethiopian students and stated her expectations for this initiative to become one of the bridges between Japan and Ethiopia. Mr. Mowat, on his part, expressed his gratitude towards the cooperation by the Embassy of Japan and JTI’s commitment to make contribution in Ethiopia now and in the future.
Japan Tobacco International (JTI) is a global tobacco and vaping company. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, the Company wholesales and distributes a wide range of tobacco products to a variety of industries. On on 21st December 2017, JTI signed a share purchase agreement of USD 434 million with the Ethiopian Government for approximately 30% of the total shares in National Tobacco Enterprise SC (NTE), bringing the JT Group’s share ownership to over 70% of the total number of NTE shares.
In related news, on 14 June 2021, an inauguration ceremony was held for the Constructing a Boarding Training Center in Dukem Town Administration, Oromia Regional State.
In total, USD 103,658 was provided by Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) to support the construction of three buildings: dormitory building, kitchen and toilet building, as well as office and workshop building, together with furniture for the facility and training equipment.
The Boarding Training Center will provide vocational training for hairdressers and cooks with their accommodation to over 100 women every year, who are in need of help, such as the victims of human trafficking and returning female workers (domestic workers) from overseas.
In her congratulatory remarks, Ambassador Takako Ito stated, “The society shines when the women shine. I hope this Boarding Training Center will produce many women who can shine the society in this country. I strongly believe this project will help empowerment of those women to improve their livelihoods economically and psychologically, thus regain their human dignity and their hope for future.” Dr. Abera Adeba Jotte, the executive director of the Agar Ethiopia Charitable Society, Mr. Ycnges Hailu, a representative for Oromia Women and Children Affairs Bureau, Ms. Meselech Tilahun, a representative for Women and Children Affairs in Dukem Town, and Ms. Fantaye Tedesse, a representative for Oromia Labor and Social Affairs Bureau expressed their appreciation for Japan’s support.
Source: Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia