Managing Travel Risks: Key Considerations for Business Expansion into Africa

TICAD9 Seminar on Managing Travel Risks in Africa

The 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) is set to take place from August 20-22, 2025, at Pacifico Yokohama. As part of this significant event, International SOS will host a seminar titled "Managing Travel Risks in Healthcare and Security: Key Considerations for Business Expansion into Africa" on August 21, focusing on essential strategies for Japanese companies venturing into African markets.

As globalization accelerates, expanding businesses often face multifaceted challenges, particularly in the healthcare and security sectors. The uniqueness of the African landscape presents risks that require a dedicated approach to ensure employee health and safety. This seminar addresses the specific risks associated with Africa, such as the prevalence of infectious diseases, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and deteriorating security conditions. By equipping businesses with practical insights from medical and security experts, the session aims to create a robust understanding of these challenges and potential solutions.

Key Insights and Strategies

The session will offer real-world examples and strategies from experts in International SOS, emphasizing the importance of holistic risk management. Discussion points include:

- Healthcare Management: Understanding the healthcare systems in various African countries and their limitations.
- Emergency Response Plans: Developing effective plans to respond to health crises and security threats promptly and efficiently.
- Business Continuity Planning (BCP): Integrating health and security management into broader business continuity strategies to ensure operational resilience.

Attendees will benefit from a flexible management perspective centered around people, enabling them to make informed decisions about their operations in the rapidly changing African market. This information is especially pertinent for companies considering entering or already operating in these diverse environments.

Seminar Details

- Event Name: TICAD Business Expo & Conference
- Seminar Title: Managing Travel Risks in Healthcare and Security: Key Considerations for Business Expansion into Africa
- Date and Time: August 21, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM
- Venue: Pacifico Yokohama, Hall B, C / Stage B (1-1-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, Japan)
- Participation Fee: Free (Pre-registration is required)
- Language: English (AI translation tools available for attendees)

Keynote Speakers

The seminar will feature prominent speakers:

- Dr. Karabo MONGAE - Medical Director, Assistance China, International SOS Travel Assistance (Beijing) Company Ltd.
- Adam LAKHANI - Security Director, Information & Analysis Europe/Maghreb/West & Central Africa, International SOS Assistance UK Ltd.
- Yoshiro Fukuma - Regional Security Director, North Asia, International SOS Japan
- Mizuki Maruyama - General Manager, Health & Security Subscription Services, International SOS Japan

About International SOS

Founded in 1985, International SOS has been saving lives and supporting clients worldwide for over 40 years. With a dedicated team of experts in safety, health, logistics, and digital services, they provide 24/7 assistance across more than 90 countries and over 1,200 locations. Over 80% of the Fortune Global 100 and a significant percentage of the world’s most sustainable companies rely on their services, offering support in around 110 languages and dialects. In Japan, they have been operational since 1996, providing vital health and security services to foreign companies and local businesses operating globally.