Southern African Development Community (SADC) Ambassador Relay Lecture Series Held in Spring Quarter
October 7, 2026
In the Spring Quarter of AY 2026, a specialized language course (English) was offered for first-year students in African Area Studies, School of International and Area Studies. With the support of the embassies of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Japan, this course has been offered since the establishment of African Area Studies in 2012 to promote exchange between Japan and Southern African countries, marking its 15th iteration this year. It is a highly unique and exceptional course where ambassadors and diplomats from 11 Southern African countries deliver lectures on their nations' history, politics, economy, and various other themes.
＜Lectures for This Academic Year＞
・Session 1 (April 15): Republic of Zimbabwe – Mr. Eniel Senderayi, Counsellor
・Session 2 (April 22): Republic of Zambia – H.E. Dr. Tobias Mulimbika, Ambassador Plenipotentiary
・Session 3 (April 29): United Republic of Tanzania – Mr. Hosea Mnyamhala Chikolongo, Political and Cultural Attaché
・Session 4 (May 13): Republic of South Africa – Ms. Annelize Schroeder, Chargé d'Affaires a.i.
・Session 5 (May 20): Republic of Namibia – Ms. Martha Kanu, Second Secretary
・Session 6 (June 3): Republic of Malawi – Mr. Gracious Soko, First Secretary (*Online class due to typhoon)
・Session 7 (June 10): Republic of Mozambique – Mr. José Antonio Nhalungo, Minister Plenipotentiary
・Session 8 (June 17): Kingdom of Lesotho – H.E. Mr. Retselisitsoe Theko, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
・Session 9 (June 24): Democratic Republic of the Congo – Mr. Kapongo Kapongo Espè-Martin, Minister Counsellor
・Session 10 (July 1): Republic of Botswana – Prof. Boga Thura Manatsha, Ambassador-Designate
・Session 11 (July 8): Republic of Angola – Mr. Cabral Laureano Neto, Counsellor
The lecturers prepared original teaching materials, carefully crafted their lecture content, and delivered their classes in accessible English. The topics covered were wide-ranging, including nature and geography, history, political developments from independence from colonial powers to the present, economic and industrial trends, and cooperative relations with Japan. Based on their prior research on individual countries, the students asked a variety of questions and engaged in lively discussions with the diplomats. Each uniquely engaging class offers students an invaluable opportunity to connect with Africa. As globalization progresses, both Japan and Africa are undergoing significant changes. Valuing an equitable partnership where we share diverse challenges on common ground, we hope to further foster this course as a space for mutual learning and coexistence between Africa and Japan.
The next SADC Lecture Series is scheduled to be offered in the Autumn Quarter of AY 2027.
Inquiries:
African Area Studies (Sakai): sakai_makiko[at]tufs.ac.jp
*Please replace [at] with @.
- Center for African Area Studies Website
- African Area Studies, School of International and Area Studies Website
(This text was translated by AI.)
