Japanese companies are increasingly recognizing the potential of the African continent as a hub for investment, particularly in the mining and energy sectors.
With Africa’s vast untapped natural resources, it is no surprise that Japanese investors are looking to tap into this potential. According to the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Japanese investment in Africa has been steadily increasing, with the number of Japanese companies operating in Africa rising from 520 in 2010 to 900 in 2021. Top 5 Japanese Companies Investing in Africa
- Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
Mitsui & Co., Ltd. is a leading Japanese trading company that has been investing in Africa for over 50 years. The company has a diversified portfolio of investments in various sectors, including mining, energy, and infrastructure. Mitsui & Co., Ltd. has invested in several projects in Africa, including the development of the Tanzania LNG project and the expansion of the Kibali gold mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo. - Sumitomo Corporation
Sumitomo Corporation is a global trading and investment company that has been active in Africa for over 60 years. The company has a strong presence in the mining sector, with investments in several projects, including the development of the Ambatovy nickel mine in Madagascar and the expansion of the Sadiola gold mine in Mali. - Mitsubishi Corporation
Mitsubishi Corporation is a global integrated business enterprise that has been investing in Africa for over 60 years. The company has a diversified portfolio of investments in various sectors, including mining, energy, and infrastructure. Mitsubishi Corporation has invested in several projects in Africa, including the development of the Coral South Floating LNG project in Mozambique and the expansion of the Zanaga iron ore mine in the Republic of Congo. - Toyota Tsusho Corporation
Toyota Tsusho Corporation is a trading company that is part of the Toyota Group. The company has been investing in Africa for over 50 years, with a strong presence in the automotive sector. Toyota Tsusho Corporation has invested in several projects in Africa, including the development of the Toyota assembly plant in Kenya and the expansion of the Toyota Tsusho Zimbabwe vehicle distribution business. - Kepple Africa Ventures
Kepple Africa Ventures is a venture capital firm that has been investing in African startups since 2015. The firm has a strong focus on investing in technology-enabled businesses that are addressing social and economic challenges in Africa. Kepple Africa Ventures has invested in several startups in Africa, including the Nigerian fintech startup, Flutterwave, and the Kenyan e-commerce platform, Jumia.
Japanese companies are continuing to invest in Africa, with a focus on the mining and energy sectors. According to the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Japanese investment in Africa reached a record high of $3.1 billion in 2021, up from $2.6 billion in 2020.
With Africa’s vast untapped natural resources and growing consumer market, it is likely that Japanese investment in the continent will continue to grow in the coming years.