MOL Showcases African Business Initiatives at TICAD 9 Conference

During the TICAD 9 Conference held from August 20 to August 22, 2025, at Pacifico Yokohama, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) presented its expansive business interests and projects in Africa. This marks the third year that MOL participated in this significant event, with a focus on fostering partnerships and promoting sustainable development across the continent.

MOL had a dedicated exhibition booth where they showcased various initiatives aimed at enhancing economic ties and collaboration in Africa. Alongside their exhibition, MOL executives participated in several key sessions that covered a range of topics pertinent to African development and logistics.

Executive Sessions and Presentations

Among the highlights was the session titled "Indian Ocean and African Economic Zone Forum," hosted by the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei). Here, MOL's Vice President, Toshinobu Shinoda, discussed the current status of MOL's operations in Africa, emphasizing the company's strategies for partnerships within the continent. The conversation addressed challenges such as unstable power supply, geopolitical risks, and regulatory uncertainties that hamper growth. Shinoda envisioned what could emerge within the Indian Ocean and African economic corridor, stressing how these dynamics could lead to expanded business opportunities.

In another prominent session titled, "LNG Power Vessels and Logistics for Sustainable Growth in Africa," Toshio Watanabe, Managing Executive Officer, introduced an innovative model that combines LNG power vessels with logistics services. This initiative responds to the pressing needs for stable power supply in an increasingly urbanized Africa facing infrastructure deficits and climate change. MOL aims to bolster social infrastructure in Africa by establishing a responsive model that emphasizes renewable energy and green fuel in the future.

Furthermore, Koichi Yashima, Chairman of MOL Logistics, took part in a panel that tackled the future of health and economics in Africa, underlining the importance of public-private partnerships. The focus was on establishing a healthcare logistics hub in the Dongo Kundu Economic Zone at the Port of Mombasa in Kenya, a venture in collaboration with Revital Healthcare. By setting up logistics centers for medical supplies, the project aims to revolutionize how essential healthcare products are distributed across the region.

MOU Signings for Future Projects

Throughout the TICAD 9 days, MOL signed five memorandums of understanding (MOUs) related to various African projects. These agreements set the stage for future collaborations and enhancements in logistics and infrastructure.

1. Collaborative Efforts in Automotive Trade Between India and Africa - In partnership with Suzuki and TradeWaltz.
2. Installation of Sharp Solar Panels - For humanitarian facilities managed by IOM and AAR.
3. Joint Development of Infrastructure Projects - In conjunction with Alistair Group.
4. Healthcare Logistics Development in Kenya - A collaboration with Revital Healthcare and MOL Logistics.

These MOUs signify MOL's commitment to its ongoing expansion in Africa, emphasizing their long-standing history of maritime transport dating back to 1926 when it first launched a regular route connecting Japan with East Africa. While maintaining a strong presence in maritime logistics, MOL is diversifying into land transport, warehousing, workforce initiatives, and startup investments throughout southern Africa, Mozambique, Kenya, and Mauritius.

Strategic Goals for Africa

This event aligns with MOL's strategic initiative, BLUE ACTION 2035, which aims to expand non-maritime business opportunities within emerging markets, including those in Africa. By leveraging the outcomes of TICAD 9, MOL aspires to bolster its operations and investment in Africa, reiterating its role as a crucial player in enhancing economic ties and logistics solutions on the continent.

The TICAD platform continues to prove invaluable to stakeholders seeking to navigate Africa's complex markets, contributing to sustainable development and collaborative economic strategies. MOL's commitment to these ideals underscores its dedication to not only facilitating trade and logistics but also enhancing the socio-economic landscapes of African nations.