Alliance for Market Acceleration in Africa

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.

Event information

Date
August 22, 2025
Time
4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Registration due
August 18, 2025

Highlights

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.

Market Insights

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.

Case Studies

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.

Networking

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.

Sessions

4:30 pm
4:35 pm

Opening Remarks

Keynote
English
With interpretation: Japanese

Hogil Doh

Global Brain

General Partner

4:35 pm
5:05 pm

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

Panel Discussion
English
With interpretation: Japanese

Koji Tokida

HAKKI AFRICA

Co-Founder, COO

Hideaki Imaeda

SMBC Venture Capital

Deputy General Manager

Georges Azzi

Bolt

Head of Business Development

Hogil Doh

Global Brain

General Partner

5:05 pm
5:35 pm

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

Panel Discussion
English
With interpretation: Japanese

Takeshi Isaku

Musashi Seimitsu Industry

CIO (Chief Innovation Officer)

Joseph Hurst-Croft

ARC Ride

CEO

Jun Morikawa

HANKYU HANSHIN EXPRESS

General Manager, Global Sales Department

Bruce Emslie

INTRASPEED SOUTH AFRICA

Managing Director

Hiroto Sorita

Global Brain

Director

5:35 pm
5:55 pm

African Innovation: Real Stories from High-Growth Companies

Pitch
English

Rasha Rady

Chefaa

Co-Founder, COO

Zaina Otieno

Beacon Power Services (BPS)

Director of Strategy

Abe Abdulla

Rise

Co-Founder, CEO

5:55 pm
6:25 pm

African VC’s Perspective: What Are the Opportunities for Collaboration with Japanese Companies?

Panel Discussion
English
With interpretation: Japanese

Natalie Kolbe

Norrsken22

Managing Partner

Brian Waswani Odhiambo

Novastar Ventures

Partner

Idris Ayodeji Bello

LoftyInc Capital

Founding Partner

Aya Imai

IFC – International Finance Corporation

Associate Investment Officer, Disruptive Technologies & Funds / Africa

Hiroto Sorita

Global Brain

Director

6:30 pm
7:30 pm

Networking

Speakers & Participants

Yasuhiko Yurimoto

Global Brain

General Partner Founder, CEO

Zaina Otieno

Beacon Power Services (BPS)

Director of Strategy

Koji Tokida

HAKKI AFRICA

Co-Founder, COO

Tomoyuki Sugiyama

HAKKI AFRICA

CFO

Hideaki Imaeda

SMBC Venture Capital

Deputy General Manager

Bruce Emslie

INTRASPEED SOUTH AFRICA

Managing Director

Georges Azzi

Bolt

Head of Business Development

Takeshi Isaku

Musashi Seimitsu Industry

CIO (Chief Innovation Officer)

Aya Imai

IFC – International Finance Corporation

Associate Investment Officer, Disruptive Technologies & Funds / Africa

Jun Morikawa

HANKYU HANSHIN EXPRESS

General Manager, Global Sales Department

Joseph Hurst-Croft

ARC Ride

CEO

Rasha Rady

Chefaa

Co-Founder, COO

Hogil Doh

Global Brain

General Partner

Abe Abdulla

Rise

Co-Founder, CEO

Natalie Kolbe

Norrsken22

Managing Partner

Bernard Ghartey

Norrsken22

Principal

Lilian Oyando

Goodwell Investments

Associate Partner

Idris Ayodeji Bello

LoftyInc Capital

Founding Partner

Brian Waswani Odhiambo

Novastar Ventures

Partner

Abel Boreto

Novastar Ventures

Investment Director

Hiroto Sorita

Global Brain

Director

Register for AMA Now

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

Emoji graphics by Emojitwo, licensed under CC BY 4.0.