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TMI Legal Office and TICAD9: A New Chapter in African Partnerships

Introduction

In a significant step toward strengthening Japanese presence in Africa, TMI Legal Office made its inaugural appearance at the TICAD Business Expo & Conference (Japan Fair). Held at Pacifico Yokohama from August 20 to 22, 2025, this event marked a pivotal moment for TMI as they seek to facilitate Japanese companies venturing into the African market. The first day of the event featured a session led by attorney Takuto Hirabayashi, focusing on the legal challenges Japanese businesses may encounter when expanding into Africa.

Expanding Legal Horizons in Africa

TMI Legal Office, based in Minato, Tokyo, first established its presence in Africa in 2015 by setting up a local desk in Kenya. This pioneering move made TMI the first Japanese law firm to offer direct legal services on the continent with a resident attorney. Collaborating closely with Anjarwalla & Khanna LLP, the largest law firm in East Africa, TMI has successfully handled cases across over 30 African nations. The firm's expertise spans a wide range of legal areas, including corporate establishment, mergers and acquisitions, taxation, and labor-related matters. This joint effort aims to bolster the growth of Japanese enterprises in the African landscape.

Session Insights

On the first day of TICAD, the session titled "Decoding the African Entry Story with 10 Years of Local Experience - Insights from Lawyers, Accountants, and Fund Managers" featured professionals from Kasai & Company, Asia Africa Investment Consulting Nigeria Ltd, and TMI. Takuto Hirabayashi was among the prominent speakers, attracting a standing-room-only audience eager to absorb his insights.

During his address, Hirabayashi emphasized the importance of judiciously assessing risks in Africa's unpredictable market. He stated, "In Africa, it’s crucial to determine which risks to take and which to avoid while persistently overcoming legal challenges." His extensive experience in providing legal services in the region informs his perspective, making his insights particularly valuable for firms considering expansion.

The TICAD Conference

Since its inception in 1993, TICAD has been an international conference led by the Japanese government, in collaboration with the United Nations, the United Nations Development Programme, the World Bank, and the African Union Commission. This year marks the 9th iteration of the conference, co-chaired by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. It gathered representatives from 49 African nations, Japanese legislators, and representatives from private companies and international organizations. The conference serves as a platform for discussing key development issues facing the African continent, with a view to fostering partnerships and economic growth.

TMI Legal Office Overview

Founded in 1990, TMI Legal Office has grown to become one of Japan’s largest law firms, boasting a workforce of over 1,300, including 679 attorneys and 101 patent attorneys as of August 1, 2025. The firm operates in seven domestic locations and 19 international offices, creating a global network that provides tailored legal services to clients in various sectors. Besides traditional legal practice, TMI actively engages in venture creation and has established digitalization agreements with local governments, showcasing its commitment to innovation and adaptability.

Their vision is to redefine the roles of law firms and attorneys, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of clients with timely solutions. TMI’s participation in TICAD represents their ongoing dedication to supporting Japanese enterprises and enhancing their understanding of the dynamic and evolving African market.

For more information, visit TMI's official website.