#Japan #Yokohama #Toyota Mobility Foundation #TICAD #Songa Mobility

Toyota Mobility Foundation's Participation in TICAD Business Expo

The Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF), under the leadership of Akio Toyoda, is set to participate in the TICAD Business Expo & Conference in Yokohama, scheduled for August 2025. This exciting event runs concurrently with the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9). TMF will highlight its significant achievements in enhancing rural economies in Kenya through innovative mobility solutions, particularly in the dairy sector.

Since 2020, TMF has focused its efforts in rural areas of Western Kenya, primarily through a milk collection initiative aimed at reducing waste. This project not only aims to improve the livelihoods of farmers but also to increase the operational efficiency of dairy processing plants and to create employment opportunities for the local youth. By focusing on building sustainable systems, the initiative benefits both business partners and the community.

The approach TMF has taken embodies several key principles:

• - Renewable Energy Utilization: Leveraging clean energy sources to power operations, thereby reducing costs.
• - Digital Management: Implementing digital solutions for transparency in operations and transactions.
• - Local Workforce Development: Focusing on hiring from within the community and promoting skill development.
• - Empowering Women: Encouraging female participation in agriculture and business.
• - Increasing Domestic Self-Sufficiency: Contributing to Kenya's self-sufficiency in dairy production.

These multifaceted strategies are designed to invigorate the entire community. Ultimately, TMF aims to refine this model to establish a self-sustaining ecosystem that can be replicated in other nations and regions facing similar challenges.

Overview of TMF's Exhibition

During the TICAD Business Expo, TMF will present key highlights of its initiatives, emphasizing the successes achieved thus far while creating opportunities for future collaborations. Below are the details of TMF's participation:

1. Japan Fair Exhibition Booth

• - Date: August 20-22, 2025
• - Location: Pacifico Yokohama, Japan Fair Booth G05
• - Content: Introduction of the dairy mobility project “Songa Mobility” in Kenya and its operational framework, along with the display of the multifunctional electric agricultural machinery “Kilikawi” aimed at supporting small farmers.

2. Panel Discussion

• - Date: August 20, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM
• - Location: Pacifico Yokohama, Stage C
• - Participants: Songa Mobility, New Kenya Co-operative Creameries (New KCC), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), TMF
• - Discussion Focus: The transformative effects and results brought to the community by Songa Mobility and how it supports the community’s autonomous activities through partnerships with SHEP (Self-Help Promotion) initiatives.

Additionally, TMF plans to participate in:

3. Special Session Co-hosted by JICA and IFAD

• - Session Title: “A brighter future for small-scale farmers - The journey and impact of the SHEP Approach in Africa and beyond.”
• - Date: August 21, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
• - Location: Yokohama Grand Intercontinental Hotel, “Silk”
• - Session Content: Sharing progress on SHEP implementation and presentations of results from various countries. TMF’s initiatives will be highlighted as a case study on public-private collaboration (approximately from 4:30 PM to 4:40 PM).

Conclusion

Founded in August 2014, the Toyota Mobility Foundation aims to create a richer society through mobility, respecting all stakeholders, including customers, business partners, employees, and local communities. TMF engages in a wide range of projects worldwide addressing mobility challenges and contributing to the creation of more sustainable communities.

For more information, visit the official event pages:

• - JETRO News Release
• - TICAD9 Event
• - JICA Event Details