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EY ShinNihon Offers Support for Japanese Firms Entering Africa

EY ShinNihon, a leading auditing firm based in Tokyo, is launching an initiative aimed at supporting Japanese companies looking to venture into the African market. This project, funded by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) under the 'Fiscal 2024 Budget for Strengthening Collaboration with Global South,' is geared towards providing comprehensive assistance to approximately ten participating firms. The program emphasizes collaboration with local resources, including venture capital firms, legal advisors, and EY's own African offices, to ensure a seamless entry into the African business landscape.

The primary objective of this initiative is to assist Japanese enterprises that are eager to tackle pressing social issues in Africa. Participating companies will be selected through an open call and will be required to develop a business plan for their African endeavors. They will also conduct field research to validate their products and assess the market environment.

EY ShinNihon will offer support throughout various stages of the business development process, from market research and environmental analysis to planning and the actual establishment of local operations. The firm will collaborate closely with selected companies to facilitate their investigations in the field, ensuring they have access to crucial insights that can continually benefit them post-project completion. This encompasses engaging with local businesses and networking opportunities to foster ecosystem development in Africa.

Upon completion of the support phase, EY ShinNihon will host a report presentation event, sharing the findings with other Japanese companies interested in entering the African market. Insights derived from the research will also be compiled into recommendations to be presented to METI, contributing to Japan's broader efforts to encourage business expansion into Africa.

Important Details about the Initiative

• - Implementation Period: Mid-May 2025 to Mid-February 2026 (tentative)
• - Target Companies: Approximately 10 Japanese firms interested in African ventures

Schedule

• - June 2025: Refinement of business plans and preliminary domestic research
• - Field Research: Timing TBD
• - End of February 2026: results presentation

Additionally, during the support period, training sessions will be organized for the selected participants, focusing on local research methodologies as well as legal, tax, and employment regulations specific to Africa.

Application Process

Interested firms can find details about applying on the AfDX website: afdx.go.jp/news.html.

Pre-Application Information Session

A pre-application information session and Africa-focused seminar will take place on April 15, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This event, free of charge, aims to deepen understanding of the initiative and features discussions with experts in African markets, making it an excellent opportunity for firms considering expansion into Africa.

• - Location: EY Wavespace Tokyo, Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, or via Microsoft Teams.
• - Capacity: 30 participants onsite, unlimited participants online.

Contact Information

For inquiries related to the application process and information session, please reach out to EY ShinNihon LLC's FAAS Division via email at [email protected].

About EY

EY is dedicated to creating added value for clients, members, society, and the planet, striving for a better world through established trust in capital markets. With expertise in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy, and transactions, EY operates in over 150 countries, leveraging data, AI, and advanced technology to assist clients in shaping a confident future.

For more about EY ShinNihon LLC and its initiatives, visit ey.com.