LocationsRecap of the Japan Investment Roadshow: Supporting African Startups through UNDP's ‘Meet the Tôshikas’ Programme
October 27, 2024
6 startups and 3 accelerators/ investors joined at Japan Roadshow
The increasing demand for technology-driven, innovative solutions in Africa is evident in recent corporate advances and government policies. However, a key factor in the success and growth of startups across the continent remains their access to timely funding and robust support from startup ecosystem stakeholders.
Limited public information about Africa's dynamic startup landscape in various regions often leads to investor hesitation. This issue is further intensified by significant gaps in startups' investment-readiness support programs (capacity training), primarily due to limited pre-investment exposure and communication with potential investors.
In 2023, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through its Africa Sustainable Finance Hub, launched the Meet the Tôshikas (Japanese for "investors") programme. With catalytic funding from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), the initiative seeks to enable African startups to harness the full potential of their ecosystems, address funding needs, and unlock growth opportunities.
Japan Investment Roadshow
As part of the Meet the Tôshikas programme, a Japan Investment Roadshow was held in August 2024. Six startup finalists and three accelerators/investors from Angola and South Africa engaged with 19 Japanese companies and organizations, meeting over 30 investors and business leaders to foster valuable connections.
(left) Visiting JETRO in Tokyo (right) Investors joining the roadshow
In addition, discussions with Japanese government representatives and entrepreneurship support centers at top universities offered insights into Japan’s experience in startup and ecosystem development. The roadshow sparked notable interest among Japanese companies, with many expressing interest in follow-up meetings with the startups.
All six startups have established mutual interest and are currently engaged in discussions with at least three Japan-based organizations (including participating Tôshikas) through roadshow activities such as TICAD, one-on-one meetings, and pitch events.
Furthermore, UNDP developed startup ecosystem reports for South Africa, Zambia, and Angola. These reports, distributed to Japanese companies and investors, aim to deepen understanding and interest in Africa’s startup landscape by mapping key players, funding sources, investment environments, and development opportunities within these ecosystems. (Click here for further information)
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