Mr. Gnona Dovi Ayi Serge, who graduated in September 2023 from Kobe Institute of Computing (KIC), From the Republic of Togo and came to Japan from the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, was selected as the winner of the “Premiere Edition de Reconnaissance 2023” for his contribution to improving the image of Cote d’Ivoire.

He participated in the award ceremony at the Embassy of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire in Tokyo in December 2023 and received an award from the Ambassador of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire.

Mr. Dovi (left) and his advisor, Professor Takahara (right), receive the award.

At KIC, Mr. Dovi received the “Tankyu Award,” which is given to students who have achieved outstanding research results in the research and development of mobile money applications. During his internship after graduation, he initiated a partnership with a university in Cote d’Ivoire, and founded the NPO JAPAN CONNECT (https://www.japanconnect.org) based in Gifu Prefecture. He is actively working as a bridge between Japan and Africa.

Mr. Dovi’s activities were also introduced on the website of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). 「人」明日へのストーリー：JICA留学生の活躍をご紹介！　～コートジボワールのドヴィさん～ ｜ 日本での取り組み – JICA(Only Japanese)

KIC will continue to contribute to the development of human resources who can serve as a bridge between Japan and Africa.