
Yasuhiko Yurimoto
Global Brain
General Partner Founder, CEO

Global Brain, a Tokyo-based independent venture capital firm, is excited to announce its first dedicated event focusing on the African market: the Alliance for Market Acceleration in Africa (AMA).
As an official partner project of TICAD 9, this event aims to bring together Japanese corporations, African startups, investors, and public and private stakeholders, creating a unique platform for new perspectives and unprecedented networks.
Today, the African market stands as one of the world's fastest-evolving and most dynamic frontiers. In particular, fintech and mobile services are driving economic growth, giving rise to entirely new industries at remarkable speed. Yet, the pace of this dynamism often outstrips the development of regulations, infrastructure, and business environments, leading to unique gaps and challenges on the ground.
At Global Brain, we firmly believe that Japanese companies can become true partners in Africa's transformation. Through AMA, we will dive deep into the realities and business opportunities of the African market, guided by the authentic voices of leading entrepreneurs and market experts on the front lines.
From Japan to the world—we warmly invite all those who aspire to take on new market challenges to join us.
Please register via the link below and take the first step toward shaping the future together.
At AMA, you'll gain practical insights from the heart of Africa's fast-moving markets, deepening your understanding while discovering real business opportunities for Japanese companies. This is where fresh ideas and valuable connections come together to shape the future.
A closer look at Africa's latest trends to inspire Japanese business strategies.
Entrepreneurs and experts working on the ground will share clear, firsthand perspectives on Africa's rapidly changing landscape. From growth drivers and regulatory or infrastructure hurdles to cultural and business customs, you'll hear insights that go far beyond what's in the textbooks, helping Japanese companies think about how best to engage with these markets.
Firsthand stories from businesses on the ground, offering practical tips for market entry.
Startups and companies already active in Africa will talk about their real-life challenges and successes. By exploring concrete examples from fields like fintech, healthcare, and energy, participants will pick up practical know-how and ideas that could serve as a roadmap for Japanese businesses looking to expand into Africa.
Meet partners for future collaboration across borders.
This event gathers a diverse group of people—from startups and large corporations to investors and government representatives from Japan and Africa. AMA goes beyond simple information sharing, creating opportunities to connect and build relationships that could lead to exciting partnerships in the future.
Opening Remarks

Global Brain
General Partner
Low-Interest Japan × High-Growth Markets: A New Formula for Japan-Driven Global Fintech

HAKKI AFRICA
Co-Founder, COO

SMBC Venture Capital
Deputy General Manager

Bolt
Head of Business Development

Global Brain
General Partner
Africa: The Next Frontier of Innovation — Japan-Africa Collaboration at the Forefront of Manufacturing, Logistics, and Mobility

Musashi Seimitsu Industry
CIO (Chief Innovation Officer)

ARC Ride
CEO

HANKYU HANSHIN EXPRESS
General Manager, Global Sales Department

INTRASPEED SOUTH AFRICA
Managing Director

Global Brain
Director
African Innovation: Real Stories from High-Growth Companies

Chefaa
Co-Founder, COO

Beacon Power Services (BPS)
Director of Strategy

Rise
Co-Founder, CEO
African VC’s Perspective: What Are the Opportunities for Collaboration with Japanese Companies?

Norrsken22
Managing Partner

Novastar Ventures
Partner

LoftyInc Capital
Founding Partner

IFC – International Finance Corporation
Associate Investment Officer, Disruptive Technologies & Funds / Africa

Global Brain
Director
Networking

Global Brain
General Partner Founder, CEO

Beacon Power Services (BPS)
Director of Strategy

HAKKI AFRICA
Co-Founder, COO

HAKKI AFRICA
CFO

SMBC Venture Capital
Deputy General Manager

INTRASPEED SOUTH AFRICA
Managing Director

Bolt
Head of Business Development

Musashi Seimitsu Industry
CIO (Chief Innovation Officer)

IFC – International Finance Corporation
Associate Investment Officer, Disruptive Technologies & Funds / Africa

HANKYU HANSHIN EXPRESS
General Manager, Global Sales Department

ARC Ride
CEO

Chefaa
Co-Founder, COO

Global Brain
General Partner

Rise
Co-Founder, CEO

Norrsken22
Managing Partner

Norrsken22
Principal

Goodwell Investments
Associate Partner

LoftyInc Capital
Founding Partner

Novastar Ventures
Partner

Novastar Ventures
Investment Director

Global Brain
Director
AMA is an invitation-only closed conference. Please apply through the form below. For any questions or concerns, please contact your Global Brain representative.