Dear Esteemed Members of AFAM, Distinguished Sponsors and Working Partners, and Our Dedicated AFAM Volunteers,
As we welcome the New Year, I extend my heartfelt greetings and deepest appreciation to every
member of the African Association of Miyagi (AFAM), our valued sponsors, working partners, and—most especially—our devoted volunteers whose quiet dedication continues to sustain and
strengthen our mission.
The year 2025 stands as a landmark chapter in AFAM’s journey. It was a year defined by meaningful engagement, international cooperation, and the strengthening of people-to-people ties between Africa and Japan. At the heart of these achievements was the successful completion of the Cultural and Educational Exchange initiatives conducted under the framework of the Osaka–Kansai Expo 2025, implemented by the Japanese Cabinet Secretariat.
Between February 15 and 21, 2025, an eight-member delegation—comprising six representatives from Rifu Town and two from AFAM—visited Ghana. During this historic visit, we engaged in productive discussions with the Ghana Ministry of Trade and Industry, laying the foundation for collaboration related to activities at the Ghana Pavilion during the Osaka Expo. The delegation also participated in educational exchanges at Swedru High School (SWESCO), deepening mutual understanding and opening new pathways for youth and institutional cooperation.
This exchange was reciprocated from July 28 (Monday) to July 30 (Wednesday), 2025, when a
25-member Ghanaian delegation—including 15 adults and 10 high school students—visited
Rifu Town. Through joint cultural and educational programs with Rifu Town and Rifu High School, participants experienced firsthand the power of dialogue, shared learning, and friendship across borders.
Another highlight of the year was AFAM’s participation on October 12, 2025, in the Tohoku University Foreign Students International Festival. Our interactive booth was exceptionally well received, drawing enthusiastic engagement from visitors and showcasing Africa’s cultural richness in a lively and accessible way.
In addition, we proudly produced Volume 6 of AfriMag, a milestone made possible by the tireless efforts of AFAM volunteers who worked behind the scenes with unwavering commitment. This issue celebrates Africa’s resilience, innovation, and global impact, featuring AFAM’s participation in JICA’s TICAD9 event, the Ghana–Rifu cultural exchange, and insightful articles on sustainable development, youth enterprise, and inclusive growth.
Together, these stories not only highlight African excellence but also reinforce the bridges of
understanding between Africa and Japan. All these accomplishments are part of the Expo International Exchange Program (FY2024–2025), which seeks to promote continuous international exchange, mutual understanding, and regional revitalization in connection with the Osaka–Kansai Expo. Ghana’s participation, in partnership with Rifu Town and AFAM, exemplifies how local communities and diaspora organizations can work together to build lasting cultural bridges and shared global heritage.
As we step into the New Year, I offer my sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed—through leadership, partnership, sponsorship, creativity, and quiet volunteer service. Your belief in AFAM’s vision and your commitment to cooperation and multicultural coexistence continue to inspire our work.
May the New Year bring renewed strength, deeper collaboration, and even greater opportunities
to connect Africa and Japan through learning, culture, and shared humanity.
With warm regards and best wishes for a successful year ahead,
Isaac Yaw Asiedu
President
African Association of Miyagi (AFAM)