Yano Research Institute Ltd. (Head Office: Nakano-ku, Tokyo; President: Takashi Mizukoshi; hereinafter “YRI”) co-hosted a special seminar titled “Africa’s Emerging Markets and the Future of Japanese Businesses” on February 3, 2026, together with Uncovered Fund, Inc. and Monex Ventures, Inc.

Scenes from the Seminar

Photo courtesy of Uncovered Fund, Inc.

This seminar was held for participants interested in African markets, which continue to experience rapid population growth and economic expansion. Rather than focusing solely on market potential, the seminar highlighted on-the-ground business practices, sharing key insights into how companies are building sustainable businesses while addressing real local challenges.

In the first half of the program, Mr. Terakubo from Uncovered Fund, Inc. presented the latest trends in Africa. This was followed by presentations from leading companies across various industries, including Musashi Seimitsu Industry Co., Ltd., MOL PLUS Co., Ltd., Marubeni Corporation, YANMAR AGRIBUSINESS CO., LTD., and Yokogawa Electric Corporation.
Speakers shared concrete examples of how they are linking local social challenges with their own technologies to create new value and revenue opportunities in areas such as mobility, logistics, healthcare, agriculture, energy, natural resources, and human resource development.

In the second half, startups active on the front lines in Kenya and Egypt—SunCulture, ARC Ride, and Bosta—took the stage. They delivered compelling presentations on their business models and growth potential in fields such as agri-tech, electric vehicles, and logistics infrastructure, all of which support daily life in local communities.

Panel Discussion and Closing Session

Photo by Yano Research Institute Ltd.

For more details on the presenting companies and their profiles, please refer to the seminar page below:

https://www.yanoresearch.com/seminars_and_workshops/655

Inquiries:

For inquiries in English, please click here.
Yano Research Institute Ltd.