Japan–Africa Business Partnerships | Osaka EXPO 2025 – TRAPIDE

From Osaka EXPO 2025 to GREEN×EXPO 2027: Turning Japan–Africa Connections into Real Business Partnerships

During a recent panel discussion on Japan–Africa business cooperation, Freddy Kankolongo, CEO of TRAPIDE Co., Ltd., shared his experience from nearly a decade of working in sales and business development between Japan and Africa.

One important lesson from this experience is that cooperation is not simply about what Japan can bring to Africa, but about how Japan and Africa can work together to create sustainable business opportunities.

Despite growing interest, a significant gap remains. Many Japanese companies and investors still do not fully understand African markets, while African businesses often face challenges in understanding Japanese business culture and decision-making processes.

Before discussing solutions, both sides must first understand each other's markets, expectations, and ways of doing business.

Through his experience at Solafune Inc., Mr. Kankolongo highlighted the importance of understanding local challenges before introducing Japanese technology. This approach helps transform business discussions into practical partnerships.

As we move from Osaka EXPO 2025 toward GREEN×EXPO 2027 in Yokohama, the priority should be to move from showcasing solutions to implementing them, from exchanging business cards to building partnerships, and from discussing opportunities to creating real economic value.

"The future of Japan–Africa cooperation is not only about what Japan can offer Africa, but about what we can build together."

At TRAPIDE Co., Ltd., we remain committed to bridging the gap between Japanese and African businesses through market understanding, strategic partnerships, and practical business development.

Learn more about TRAPIDE Co., Ltd.