After working for a trading company and an IT company in Japan, he joined the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) and worked as an IT teacher in Ethiopia. He then joined the Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia in charge of "Grant Assistance for Grass- Roots Human Security Projects". He supported various development projects such as school construction, installation of water wells, irrigation schemes, improvement of public health facilities, etc.

After obtaining a Master's degree in ICT4D from the University of Manchester, UK, he joined the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). He was engaged in project management in various schemes such as technical cooperation, grant aid, and Japanese Yen loan, etc. through broader works in the Information Systems Department, Economic Infrastructure Development Department, Ghana Office, and General Affairs Department. Leaving JICA in 2018, after working at ABeam Consulting, he has been working at Deloitte since 2019 on ODA projects related to ICT4D and support for private companies' business development in developing countries.

The possibilities of ICT are endless

When I worked as an IT teacher in Ethiopia as a Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer (JOCV), the distance education project was implemented targeting many schools all over the country. Witnessing the implementation of this distance education project inspired me to pursue a career in ICT4D, and I subsequently worked for JICA managing various ICT4D projects, from ICT infrastructure development to development projects using ICT as a tool in various sectors. And now, as a consultant, I am involved in research and project implementation in the ICT4D field.

The possibilities of ICT are endless, and it goes without saying that the use of ICT is a major key in both the development assistance and business fields. However, the number of people with expertise in both international development and ICT is extremely limited. This course is unique in that it allows students to acquire these skills at the same time, and such courses are extremely rare even when looking at graduate schools overseas. I would like to give a meaningful lecture on the theme of how to make ICT4D projects successful, drawing on my field experience as a JOCV, management experience of various development projects such as technical cooperation, grant aid, and Japanese Yen loan at JICA, and the practical experience as a consultant. I believe this course helps improve your skills to be an ICT4D expert.