Japanese Companies on the Frontline: Business Initiatives Addressing African Challenges (*Japanese only, no interpretation)
Japanese Companies on the Frontline: Business Initiatives Addressing African Challenges (*Japanese only, no interpretation)
August 19, 2025 16:00-17:40(JST)
Date
2025/8/19 (Tue)16:00-17:40（JST）
Field
JICA Biz
Venue / Event Format
Yokohama Bay / Hybrid (In-person and Online)
Co-Host
Background
According to United Nations projections (2024 Revision of World Population Prospects), Africa's population is forecast to increase from approximately 1.4 billion in 2022 to around 2.4 billion by 2050, indicating significant potential for economic growth. However, diverse development challenges persist, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) faces various obstacles.
The "Survey on the Number of Overseas Japanese Company Offices," conducted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, reveals that the number of Japanese company offices in Africa rose by approximately 40% over five years, from 857 in 2018 to 1,203 in 2023. Nevertheless, compared to Asia, Latin America, and other regions, this figure remains relatively low.
Several factors are cited for the limited number of Japanese companies expanding into Africa, including insufficient information, the state of infrastructure development, and challenges in securing human resources.
In spite of the difficult situation, some companies perceive the development challenges confronting Africa as business opportunities. These enterprises are tackling with these issues and spearheading business development by leveraging JICA's "SDGs Business Supporting Surveys" (JICA Biz).
Key Questions
WHAT & WHY
Why have the Japanese companies turned their focus to Africa?
What specific challenges are they addressing?
What is the scale of their target markets?
HOW
What were the primary obstacles encountered when considering expansion into Africa?
What were the internal company requisites for business development in Africa?
What were key strategies for fostering "co-creation" and "collaboration" with local partners?
How has JICA Biz contributed to business establishment and development?
What advice can be offered to companies contemplating African market entry or the utilization of JICA Biz?
Objective
To foster participants' understanding of JICA Biz and encourage consideration of its utilization by showcasing the appeal of the African market and the potential for business through addressing social challenges.
To enable participants to gain insights into the potential future impact on Africa—including benefits to partner countries and economic effects—realized through the business activities of companies leveraging JICA Biz.
