Axcel Africa's Landmark Achievement at TICAD9
In a momentous event at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), which took place in Yokohama from August 20, 2025, Axcel Africa, headquartered in Takamatsu, Kagawa, announced the signing of 22 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with various government agencies, private organizations, and startups across Africa. This achievement highlights Axcel Africa's commitment to fostering strong relationships between Japan and African nations through strategic collaboration.
TICAD9 saw a record number of 324 signed agreements, surpassing the previous conference's 92 agreements by a significant margin. Axcel Africa ranked second in MOU signings, following Toyota Tsusho Corporation, demonstrating its role as a trailblazer in the burgeoning partnership landscape between Japan and the African continent.
Image: Delegates from Madagascar at TICAD9
Included among the signatories were representatives from 17 African nations such as Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Guinea, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Niger, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Togo, and Uganda, through their respective Kakemashi Africa branches. This coalition aims to strengthen networks connecting Japanese companies with African enterprises, thereby fostering robust, sustainable business ecosystems.
The Kakemashi Africa initiatives were showcased during a thematic event titled "ABE Initiative: Past and Future of Bridge Builders" held at the JICA Yokohama Center during TICAD9. This event was co-hosted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and various universities, highlighting the importance of educational programs in bridging Japan and Africa.
Axcel Africa's CEO, Yuji Yokoyama, emphasized the necessity of maintaining connections for those who have completed the ABE Initiative, stating, "We aim to be a 'bridge' connecting Japan and Africa, facilitating a conducive ecosystem for Japanese firms to thrive in Africa."
Image: Yuji Yokoyama presenting at the event
Moreover, collaborations with partners like Kakemashi Madagascar were further highlighted at TICAD Business Expo & Conference, where Axcel Africa set up a booth to display ongoing community projects. This exposition marked a significant outreach, allowing visitors to gain insights into Madagascar's unique agricultural products and handicrafts.
Supporting Next-GenerationIndustries and Education
In Kenya, Axcel Africa is collaborating with Collins Consulting International Limited to bolster the BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) and contact center sectors owned by Kenyans. Additionally, partnerships with Mountain Hub in Cameroon are fostering the growth of startup ecosystems, while initiatives like the Power Learn Project and WADA Global are advancing blockchain education and Web3 innovations.
These crucial efforts are set to create a robust foundation for next-generation industries and skill development pathways for African youth, while also opening up new market opportunities for Japanese enterprises seeking to invest in Africa.
Image: Team members at Mountain Hub in Cameroon
Strengthening Collaborations with Government Agencies for Investment Promotion
Axcel Africa has also established MOUs with the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) and the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) to develop frameworks aimed at enhancing the investment environment and supporting Japanese businesses entering these regions. These agreements were formalized on May 26, 2025, at the Tanzanian National Day event hosted in Osaka during the World Expo.
The TIC functions as a one-stop service for investors, offering comprehensive assistance from project registration to licensing and tax incentives. Similarly, ZIPA provides strong support for investment activities, enabling seamless entry for Japanese enterprises into the Zanzibar market.
The agreements encompass various provisions, including access to the latest investment environment information, matching with local partners, procedural advisory, and guidance on government incentives, thus bolstering the investment landscape in East Africa.
Image: Signing ceremony of the MOU
Invitation to Explore Partnership Opportunities
Axcel Africa is committed to leveraging its extensive network to bolster collaboration between Japanese and African entities. We actively facilitate partnerships that address local challenges while creating growth opportunities for both sides.
For companies or organizations interested in exploring business opportunities in Africa, we encourage you to reach out to us at Axcel Africa for consultations and collaborative discussions. Our mission is to support the operational and strategic needs of organizations aiming to thrive on the African continent.
Company Overview
Company Name: Axcel Africa Co., Ltd.
CEO: Yuji Yokoyama
Website:
www.axcelafrica.com
Core Services: Consulting for African market entry, business development support, training programs, and community creation.
If you're interested in exploring expansion opportunities in Africa, please feel free to contact us for a complimentary consultation or corporate seminar.
Department Contacts:
Yuji Yokoyama, Takuzuka
Website:
www.axcelafrica.com