Start UP with Africa! powered by JICA BLUE
August 21, 2025 09:30-11:30(JST)
Date
2025/8/21 (Thu)09:30-11:30（JST）
Field
JOCV Young entrepreneurs
Venue / Event Format
InterContinental / Hybrid (In-person and Online)
Co-Host
Unconfirmed: Ministry of Economy (Under the auspice) , Keidanren (Under the auspice) , Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Under the auspice) , The Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Under the auspice)
Background
The African Business Education Initiative for Youth (ABE) , introduced at the 5th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD V) in 2013, is designed to cultivate industrial human resources in Africa and foster individuals who can connect business between Japan and Africa. This initiative invites young Africans to Japan, offering them opportunities to pursue master's degrees at Japanese universities and gain practical experience through internships at Japanese companies and other organizations.
Through the “Business Program” and ongoing support, the initiative aims to develop individuals who can act as bridges between Japan and Africa.
Additionally, JICA has been implementing the “JICA Social Entrepreneur Project “BLUE” (Break the Line, Unleash your Entrepreneurship) since FY2023 as part of its post-return support for JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers. In FY2025, the program is particularly focused on supporting startups of businesses that contribute to Africa.
This event will target Japanese citizens, especially young people interested in Africa, as well as former JOCV who are eager to start their own business with/fromin Africa to address social issues.
Key Questions
What is the significance and appeal of starting a business that contributes to Africa?
How can I leverage my experience of JOCV to successfully launch a business there?
Objective
The program will offer an opportunity to deepen understanding and interest in "Business and Entrepreneurship with/from Africa" through presentations by those who have experienced the ABE Initiative, sharing insights from a local perspective, and by Japanese entrepreneurs who have successfully started their own businesses in Africa after the participation of JOCV program, highlighting the significance and attractiveness of entrepreneurship in the region.
Idea pitches by first-term BLUE graduates will help promote understanding of the BLUE program and demonstrate the career path of JOCV to participants, especially Japanese students.
Additionally, the program will provide networking opportunities among speakers and the participants, as well as a chance for Japanese entrepreneurs to explore entry into the African market.
