A Proposal for a Co-Creation Project in Africa
— Market Development and Environmental Value Creation, Starting from the Republic of Senegal —
Introduction: To a Place Where the Future is Born, Together
Towards a market of 2.5 billion people by 2050. The rise of Africa is no longer a forecast, but a determined future. We are promoting a business model that achieves both strategic entry into this growth market and the creation of environmental value as demanded by the international community.
Our starting point is the Republic of Senegal, a country of great geopolitical importance as the gateway to West Africa. By leveraging the country’s stable political and economic foundation (UEMOA membership) and the strong relationships of trust we have built with the local government and municipalities, we will build a platform that enables a highly replicable and predictable business expansion for Japanese companies.
This document presents a concrete plan to realize this business opportunity through co-creation with your company.
Our Promise: “Co-Creation” is to Nurture the Future Together
Our goal is not simply to introduce superior Japanese products and technologies to Africa. Our concept of “co-creation” is “to design together and to grow together.”
With our partner companies in various fields such as refrigeration, processing, logistics, finance, and energy, we will think from scratch and cultivate a system that will continue to be used locally, be economically independent, and take root in society. That is our unwavering promise.
Our Strategic Advantages
Advantages of the Republic of Senegal
- International Logistics Hub: With its international ports and airports connecting Africa, Europe, and the Americas, it is ideal for building a global supply chain.
- Access to a Wider Economic Zone: As a member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), business expansion into eight member countries is facilitated by a common currency (CFA franc) and a stable customs system.
- Stable Business Environment: A relatively stable political situation and low levels of corruption reduce investment risks for foreign companies.
Our Track Record and Strengths
- Official Partnership with Government Agencies: We have successfully implemented multiple joint projects in the medical and educational fields through the conclusion of MOUs with local ministries and municipalities.
- Gaining Social Trust: Receiving the “JAPAN SDGs Award Special Prize” and the title of “Honorary Citizen” from the city of Sandiara are objective proofs that our activities are deeply accepted by the local community.
The feasibility of this business proposal is guaranteed by our execution capabilities and relationships of trust, backed by these achievements.
The Scale and Future Vision of Our Project: From Containers to Industrial Infrastructure
Our challenge begins with the agile first step of solar-powered refrigerated containers. However, what we envision beyond that is a grander future that will transform the very industrial structure of Africa.
Based on the MOU with the Senegalese government, we will eventually construct large-scale refrigeration and freezing warehouse complexes in each industrial hub, along with independent solar power plants to run them. This will simultaneously create three major values:
Decarbonization and New Revenue Streams: Large-scale solar power generation will significantly reduce CO₂ emissions. This will lead to the creation of carbon credits utilizing frameworks like the JCM (Joint Crediting Mechanism), establishing a future business model where environmental contribution generates new revenue.
Creation of New Industries: A stable power supply and a massive cold chain will not only enable the long-term storage of agricultural products but also become the very foundation for nurturing new industries that were previously difficult in Africa, such as advanced food processing and pharmaceutical management.
Overwhelming Economic Rationality: By generating our own power, we break free from reliance on unstable and expensive commercial electricity. This dramatically reduces energy costs and significantly enhances the profitability and sustainability of the business.
The Value We Provide to Our Partner Companies
| Strategic Value (Benefit) | Direct Returns | Mid- to Long-Term Returns |
|---|---|---|
| Official Network with Government | Opportunities to participate in public projects, smooth coordination for permit acquisition | Access to official dialogue channels with neighboring governments and international organizations |
| Low-Cost Demonstration & Data Acquisition | On-site demonstration of products/technology, acquisition of performance/durability data | Establishing a technical advantage of “market-fit for Africa” that is unmatched by competitors |
| International Business Exposure | Acquisition of new customers/partners through features at international conferences/media | Enhancement of corporate brand and product recognition in the global market |
| Concrete Contribution to ESG/SDGs | High ratings from ESG evaluation bodies, effective communication in CSR activities | Strengthening the appeal of corporate value in integrated reports and sustainability reports |
| Securing First-Mover Advantage | Opportunity for exclusive, long-term contracts in an uncontested market | Establishing price leadership and a long-term revenue base in a future giant market |
Partnership Models
We offer three partnership models to suit your company’s business strategy and interests. *Budget and scope of cooperation will be determined flexibly through individual consultation.
| Partnership Model | Main Objective & Features | Example of Cooperation |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor | Acquiring CSR/branding value and continuous information gathering | Logo placement, provision of activity reports, regular information exchange |
| Technical Partner | Evaluating market suitability and data acquisition through on-site demonstration | Provision of your company’s products/technology, joint demonstration projects |
| Strategic Partner | Building a full-fledged profitable business in the African market through joint venturing | Participation in a joint venture, long-term joint investment based on the business plan |
Business Development Roadmap (5-10 Years)
This project will be expanded and deepened in stages based on clear phases.
| Phase | Timeframe (Est.) | Key Areas | Main Objectives & Deliverables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation & Demo | 2025–26 | Refrigeration, Processing, Power | Establishment of demonstration sites, establishment of operational models, quantitative evaluation of CO₂/food loss reduction |
| Expansion & Collab. | 2026–27 | Finance, Logistics | Integration of mobile payments, cold chain design, establishment of a revenue circulation scheme, JCM collaboration |
| Full-Scale Rollout | 2028–29 | OEM, Trading, Fund | Commercialization under a common brand, full-scale export business, formation of partnerships with local companies |
| Autonomy & Succession | 2030 onwards | Local Entity (JV), HR Dev. | Establishment of a self-sustaining operational structure led by local entities, expansion of the business model to other West African countries |
Envisioned Business Ecosystem
Realizing this project requires collaboration with companies that have expertise in various fields. An example of the envisioned ecosystem is shown below.
- Core Technology & Equipment
- Supply of energy-saving refrigeration/freezing units, vacuum insulation panels, solar panels, and storage battery systems.
- Domestic & International Logistics
- Domestic collection/refrigerated transport, international sea/air transport, customs clearance, local cargo handling/regional delivery.
- Processing & Quality Control
- Primary/secondary processing of agricultural products (pureeing, packaging, etc.), support for obtaining HACCP/ISO certification.
- Sales & Market Development
- Development of wholesale/retail channels in multiple markets, including Japan, Europe, and within Africa.
- Finance & Telecommunications
- Financial collaboration such as mobile money and credit scoring, integration of remote monitoring and data communication systems.
Next Steps
We envision the following steps for co-creation with your company:
- Initial Consultation (Online or In-person) to confirm your area of interest
- “Co-Creation Conference” for each sector (An open dialogue including other companies)
- Defining Roles and a Collaboration Model with your company
- Execution of Investment, Outsourcing, Contracts, or JV establishment as needed
Anticipated Risks and Countermeasures
| Risk Category | Specific Risk Content | Countermeasure |
|---|---|---|
| Country Risk | Policy changes, permit delays | Clarification of cooperation scope through MOUs with the government, regular monitoring of regulations |
| Infrastructure Risk | Unstable power/fuel supply | Reduction of infrastructure dependency by introducing solar + storage systems |
| Operational Risk | Logistics delays, quality/hygiene issues | Securing multiple transport routes, obtaining HACCP/ISO certification, local staff training, IoT remote monitoring |
| Market Risk | Fluctuations in exchange/commodity rates | Concluding long-term contracts, transactions in multiple currencies, consideration of financial derivatives (futures/hedging) |
We Look Forward to Hearing from You
This project is a unique and strategic opportunity to contribute simultaneously to Africa’s economic growth and the future of our planet. In the initial stages, it is possible to deepen your involvement step by step without imposing an excessive burden on your company. We are committed to preparing the path for this journey.
If you are interested in this co-creation, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are available to provide initial review materials and conduct individual hearings at any time.
