The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has officially terminated its ‘JICA Africa Hometown’ initiative, citing “misunderstandings and confusion” surrounding the project. JICA president Tanaka Akihiko announced the decision at a press briefing on Thursday, bringing an abrupt end to the scheme that had sparked widespread debate both in Japan and Africa.

Controversy intensified after reports emerged that Kisarazu City had been designated as a “hometown” for Nigerians under the project. On August 26, Japan strongly denied claims that it planned to introduce a special visa category for Nigerians seeking to relocate there, insisting that the initiative had been misconstrued. The denial, however, failed to quell public criticism and speculation about the programme’s true intent.

By scrapping the project, JICA signalled a desire to reset relations and avoid further diplomatic tension. While acknowledging the confusion caused, the agency reiterated its commitment to supporting Africa through established frameworks of economic cooperation, infrastructure development, and human capital investment—without initiatives that risk being misunderstood.

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