Business Forum Explores Japanese Investment Opportunities in Africa
Tokyo, Japan – FinCity.Tokyo, in partnership with the Africa Roundtable of the World Alliance of International Financial Centres, will host a high-profile business forum exploring the evolving landscape of investment opportunities in Africa. The event, designed to foster dialogue on key areas of Japanese investment and address the challenges involved, will feature prominent leaders from both regions.
Among the distinguished speakers will be Ms. Takako Suzuki, former Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs in Japan, and Mr. Ken Shibusawa, CEO of Shibusawa and Company, Inc. Shibusawa, a pioneer in impact investing, founded &Capital, Inc., an impact fund management company for Africa, in 2023. His extensive experience spans leadership roles at JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, and Moore Capital. He has also served on several government and advisory boards, including the Council for a New Form of Capitalism under Prime Minister Kishida.
The agenda includes a keynote address by Ms. Suzuki on Japanese government initiatives in Africa, followed by a presentation from Mr. Shibusawa on investment opportunities across the continent. Representatives from key international financial centers will present their insights, including Mr. Ken Poonoosamy, CEO of EDB Mauritius, Ms. Lamia Merzouki, COO of Casablanca Finance City, Ms. Hortense Mudenge, Chief Strategy Officer of Rwanda Finance, and Ms. Obi Ibekwe, CEO of EnterpriseNGR.
The forum will culminate in a panel discussion titled "Navigating the Landscape: Uncovering Investment Opportunities and Overcoming Barriers for Japanese Investors in Africa," moderated by Mr. Mumu Makinose of the JIAM (the Consortium for Japan International Asset Management Center Promotion). The session aims to provide practical insights on navigating investment complexities while tapping into Africa’s growing economic potential.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a networking session following the panel, encouraging further collaboration between Japan and Africa in the financial and investment sectors.
With Africa becoming an increasingly attractive destination for impact and ESG-aligned investments, this forum offers Japanese investors a comprehensive view of emerging opportunities and the resources available to support successful ventures in the region.
The event underscores Japan's growing interest in Africa's dynamic economies, fostering a deeper understanding of the mutual benefits of cross-continental collaboration.
Agenda Highlights:
- Welcoming Remarks: Mr. Keiichi Aritomo, WAIFC Chairman, and Mr. Ken Poonoosamy, Chairperson of the Africa Roundtable
- Keynote 1: Japanese Government Initiatives in Africa by Ms. Takako Suzuki
- Keynote 2: Investment in Africa by Mr. Ken Shibusawa
- Panel Discussion: Featuring key leaders from Africa’s financial sectors
- Networking Session
The forum promises to be an invaluable opportunity for investors, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore the future of Japanese-African economic partnerships.
About the the WAIFC
The World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC) is a non-profit association registered in Brussels, Belgium, which represents leading international financial centers and facilitates cooperation and the exchange of best practices. WAIFC members are city governments, associations, and similar institutions developing and promoting their financial centers. WAIFC facilitates cooperation between its members, the exchange of best practices, and communication with the general public.
About the Africa Roundtable of the WAIFC
The Africa Roundtable is a collaborative initiative within the World Alliance of International Financial Centres (WAIFC) dedicated to promoting sustainable development and prosperity in African financial centers. The Regional Roundtable facilitates cooperation among its members, fostering initiatives that contribute to the growth of the financial services industry in Africa.
About the Members
Casablanca Finance City Authority (Morocco)
Casablanca Finance City (CFC) is an African economic and financial hub located at the crossroads of continents. Recognized as the leading financial center in Africa and a partner of the largest international financial centers, CFC has built a strong and thriving community of members across four categories: financial companies, regional headquarters of multinationals, service providers, and holdings.
Economic Development Board (Mauritius)
The EDB provides strong institutional support for strategic economic planning and ensures greater coherence and effectiveness in economic policy formulation; promotes Mauritius as an attractive investment and business center, a competitive export platform as well as an International Financial Centre; acts as the main institution responsible for country branding for investment promotion and ensures a conducive business environment.
EnterpriseNGR is positioned to engage in both private sector and public sector advocacy with the aim of fostering a favorable operating environment for the Financial and Professional Services sector and championing the transformation of Nigeria into an international financial center.
The Kigali International Financial Centre positions itself as a professional, member-focused, transparent, and economic substance-oriented jurisdiction to facilitate increased cross-border trade and investments within Eastern and Central Africa.
FinCity.Tokyo was founded under the leadership of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in collaboration with private businesses in order to promote and to continuously upgrade Tokyo's financial ecosystem. FinCity.Tokyo conducts promotional activities including disseminating information; facilitating market entry/ networking domestically and internationally; attracting overseas financial companies to Japan.