Explore the key takeaways from the event in our highlight video.

The year 2025 marked a pivotal moment for Africa’s partnership with Europe and Japan. With the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) and the EU–Africa Business Forum both taking place in 2025, discussions on sustainable growth, investment, and green transition were high on the international agenda. Against this backdrop, this hybrid seminar offered a unique opportunity to explore how joint initiatives can drive mutually beneficial development, strengthen value chains, and unlock new opportunities across the African continent.

This TICAD 9 Partner Project Business Seminar was organised by the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation and aimed to highlight Africa as an attractive destination for Japanese and EU businesses, with a special focus on EU-Japan joint projects.

The first part of the event featured EU and Japanese institutions presenting their respective policy frameworks for EU–Japan business cooperation in Africa, as well as their support initiatives for companies operating or seeking opportunities on the continent.

The second part showcased successful examples of EU-Japan cooperation in Africa, sharing key lessons learned, opportunities and insights from companies involved in these initiatives. 

The third part focused on financing instruments available to the private sector for projects in Africa. Representatives from financing organisations introduced their respective tools and eligibility criteria, providing practical guidance for businesses seeking to engage in Africa’s growing markets.

General information

Date: Thursday, 11 December 2025

Time: 17:00 - 18:30 (JST) | 9:00 - 10:30 (CET)

Networking reception (on-site only): 18:30-20:00 (JST)

Languages: English, Japanese (simultaneous interpretation available)

Format: hybrid event in Tokyo and online

Venue: Delegation of the European Union to Japan, Tokyo | online

             Address: Europa House, 4-6-28 Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047 

Organised by: EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation

Supported by: African Development Bank Group (AfDB), Delegation of the European Union to Japan, Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC)

Registrations

Registrations are closed. 

Programme

17:00 (JST) | 9:00 (CET): Opening remarks

- Thomas GNOCCHI, Deputy Head of Mission, Delegation of the European Union to Japan

17:05 (JST) | 9:05 (CET): Keynote presentations
- Asad BEG, Senior Expert and Team Leader EU-AU Affairs, Pan-African Affairs Division, European External Action Service (EEAS)

- Claire HUNAULT, Policy Officer, Economic Integration, Investment, Cooperation with the OECD, Unit A1- Strategic Partnerships with Africa and with the ACP, Directorate General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), European Commission

- Hiromu KAJIWARA, Planning Division, Global Strategy Team (Africa), Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)

17:35 (JST) | 9:35 (CET): Learning from successful EU-Japan projects in Africa
- Airi IKEDO-OKUTANI, Director, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief Representative, Spain Office of Index Strategy, Inc.

- Ahmed SAMI ABO ARAB, Segment Sales Manager, Renewables & Transportation, Hitachi Energy (Egypt)

- Modest KWAPINSKI, CEO, EDF Power Solutions Morocco

18:05 (JST) | 10:05 (CET): Financing instruments available to the private sector for projects in Africa
- Antonin CALZAROSSA, Head of Unit, Corporate Finance outside of Europe, Climate Energy and Primary Industries, European Investment Bank (EIB)

- Kohei TOYODA, Director General, Energy Transformation Strategy Office, Energy and Natural Resources Finance Group, Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC)

- Naoshige KINOSHITA, Deputy Head, Lead Program Coordinator, Asia External Representation Office, African Development Bank (AfDB)

18:25 (JST) | 10:25 (CET): Closing remarks
- Manuel HUBERT, EU-side Managing Director, EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation

18:30 (JST) | 10:30 (CET): Group picture

18:30-20:00: Networking reception (on-site only)