African digital innovators took centre stage in Japan’s tech ecosystem this week, as the International Trade Centre (ITC) connected startups from Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana with investors and partners.
Across Africa, the technology and innovation landscape is expanding rapidly, with startups offering homegrown digital solutions in e-commerce, logistics, health tech, education, and fintech. Yet, access to investment and cross-border partnerships remains a major barrier to scaling.
$712 billionProjected size of Africa’s digital economy in 2050
Unlocking new opportunities through the AfCFTA
Japan is home to one of the world’s most advanced innovation ecosystems and a strong investor base seeking new growth markets. Strengthening Africa–Japan tech partnerships can unlock mutual benefits: African startups gain access to capital, mentorship, and technology, while Japanese investors and corporations gain entry into fast-growing integrated African markets and digital solutions adapted to emerging economy contexts.
Bridging these ecosystems supports the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Connecting startups to global markets
ITC in coordination with the AfCFTA Secretariat, supports African enterprises and governments to implement the free trade area’s protocols on Trade in Services, Investment, and Digital Trade. This work happens through a project called Accelerating Trade and Investment under the AfCFTA (ATIA). A key component of the project focuses on creating business and investment linkages between Africa and Japan.
From 20 to 24 October 2025, 10 tech startups, five from Ghana, four from Côte d’Ivoire and one from Algeria, participated in a week-long mission to Japan, including:
The Japan–Africa Startup and Investment Forum, hosted at the Japan Venture Capital Hub in Tokyo;
Business matchmaking sessions, connecting startups with venture capitalists, corporates, and accelerators;
Japan IT Week Autumn 2025, one of Asia’s largest technology trade fairs, where the startups showcased their solutions to over 30,000 visitors and engaged with more than 700 exhibitors. A tailor-made directory presented and promoted their services.
The mission was organised in collaboration with Kepple Africa Ventures, a Tokyo-based investor with a portfolio of over 120 African startups. Kepple brings extensive experience, cultural fluency, and a strong investor network — including Nikkei, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, SBI Investment, and Nomura Research Institute.
Through this engagement, ITC helps startups refine their investment pitches, strengthen cross-cultural communication, and establish high-value partnerships with Japanese stakeholders.
Our digital entrepreneurs
VDL Fulfilment (Ghana) – Tech-enabled fulfilment platform empowering small businesses to scale through digital logistics.
ShaQ Express (Ghana) – App-based courier and delivery platform using electric mobility.
QKnow EdTech (Ghana) – Learning diagnostics platform for schools and students.
Afrisends (Côte d’Ivoire) – Agri-fintech platform connecting smallholders to inputs, logistics, and markets.
EnvoyX (Côte d’Ivoire) – Lending infrastructure for small businesses.
HopMed (Côte d’Ivoire) – AI-powered digital health and wellness platform.
GrowForMe (Ghana) – Agri-crowdfunding platform connecting investors and farmers.
Think Touch Solution (Algeria) – Liquidity and buy now, pay later services for mobile money agents.
Digitech Africa (Côte d’Ivoire) – AI-driven insurance and reinsurance operations platform.
iPay Solutions / Digistore Africa (Ghana) – Digital commerce solutions for small businesses.
The World Is Larger, The Opportunity is enormous, technology is what bridges the gap. Thanks to ITC for helping me to see that.
Nana Opoku Agyeman-Prempeh
CEO of Grow for Me – Agritech from Ghana
A critical next step is scaling these solutions across borders specifically in payments and logistics to build a seamless, trustworthy, and efficient supply chain for Africa. Our recent mission to Japan marks significant progress in this effort.
Eric K Dwamena Asamoah
Trade Facilitation & Import Management – Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ghana
Next steps in strengthening Africa-Japan partnerships
Senyo Mawuli Jiagge, founder of Qknow EdTech in Ghana, said the visit had already taken steps toward a new relationshop with Japanese edtech company SPRIX Inc.
'After encouraging talks we have created an action plan on how to move forward which includes creating a unique offering of our joint products and meeting officials of the Ministry of Education of Ghana,' he said. 'It has been decided that the Head of Global Expansion of SPRIX Inc will come to Ghana to attend the meeting with the Ministry of Education and QKnow Edtech.’
This mission marks a new chapter in Japan–Africa innovation cooperation aimed at opening investment deal flows, pilot projects, and co-development opportunities while strengthening Japan’s engagement with Africa’s digital transformation.
Following the mission, ITC will facilitate follow-up meetings between startups and Japanese investors, monitor partnership outcomes, and document success stories.
By fostering these linkages, ITC and its partners are helping African entrepreneurs not only access global markets but also shape the future of inclusive, technology-driven growth across the continent.
About the project
The Accelerating Trade and Investment under the AfCFTA (ATIA) project is funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC). The project supports Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Tunisia to strengthen regulatory frameworks and foster trade and investment linkages under the AfCFTA. ATIA contributes to ITC’s One Trade Africa initiative, advancing regional integration and digital trade across the continent.