Unlocking Opportunities in Africa: Uncovered Fund's Support Program for Japanese Companies

In an era where the global economy is rapidly evolving, the African continent is becoming a focal point for innovative business ventures. Uncovered Fund, headquartered in Tokyo, is on the frontline of this exploration, aiming to connect Japanese firms with the burgeoning opportunities in Africa. The company’s recent announcement of their participation in the "Africa Market Vitalization Support Project" shows their commitment to supporting enterprises eager to tackle social challenges in Africa through strategic mentorship and resources.

A Strategic Initiative to Boost African Engagement

Uncovered Fund, led by CEO Takuma Terakubo, is collaborating with EY ShinNihon, under the auspices of Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The initiative is set to commence in mid-May 2025 and run until mid-February 2026, with the goal of providing essential support to approximately ten Japanese companies interested in expanding their operations into Africa. This support will include the development of business plans and conducting on-the-ground research, vital for any firm looking to establish a foothold in this complex yet promising market.

Project Structure and Schedule

The program's structure is meticulously designed to ensure effective participation and outcomes:

- May 2025: Refining business plans through domestic preliminary investigations.
- On-Site Research: Specific dates to be determined, but includes field studies essential for product validation.
- February 2026: A成果報告会 (results presentation meeting) will be held to discuss and highlight the progress and accomplishments of participating companies.

Furthermore, during the support period, Uncovered Fund will conduct multiple training sessions aimed at familiarizing selected companies with methodologies for on-site surveys, along with crucial insights regarding Africa's legal, tax regulations, and employment frameworks.

Open Recruitment and Information Session

Juggling between opportunities and challenges, the project is currently calling for applications until noon on May 1, 2025. Participating firms will undergo a rigorous selection process, which includes documentation and presentation assessments. To facilitate a thorough understanding of this initiative, an open information session and an Africa seminar will be hosted on April 15, 2025. This session aims to deepen insights into the program while offering networking opportunities with experts familiar with the African landscape.

Information Session Details:

- Date: April 15, 2025, from 15:00 to 17:00 JST
- Location: Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, with a hybrid format available via Microsoft Teams
- Capacity: 30 in-person attendees, with no limit on online participants

By participating, companies can meet pioneers and thought leaders in the African market, enriching their knowledge of potential business avenues and strategies.

Uncovered Fund's Vision and Mission

Founded in September 2019, Uncovered Fund is not just venturing into Africa; it seeks to be a first mover in unlocking the potential of unexplored industries within emerging markets. The continent is on track to become home to 2.5 billion people by 2050, representing 25% of the global population, thus being dubbed the final frontier of economic opportunity. With this understanding, Uncovered Fund's goal is to support 1,000 startups and facilitate the creation of 10 trillion yen in corporate value along with 1 million jobs by 2050.

The mantra of "Uncovered" symbolizes the liberation of untapped potential, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation in sectors that have historically been overlooked. Through nurturing local talent, providing essential resources, and fostering impactful networks, Uncovered Fund aims to shape a promising economic landscape in Africa and beyond.

For more information about the program and how your company can get involved, visit AfDX’s website and learn how to be part of this transformative journey.

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