Company co-creating the future of the world through electricity and communication infrastructure—rooted in Japan, France, and Senegal
株式会社シュークルキューブジャポン/SUCRECUBE Japon Inc.
+81 (0)3-4563-9915

A Collaborative Project in Senegal with Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan

— Our Track Record of Collaboration with Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc., the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan, and the Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Senegal —

1. Introduction

At SUCRECUBE JAPON Inc., our mission is to provide sustainable solutions to the fundamental challenges in the African region, particularly the lack of social infrastructure and the undeveloped state of energy and telecommunications infrastructure in the “last one mile.” Our business extends beyond the provision of a single technology; we aim to build decentralized, autonomous infrastructure platforms that organically integrate with local social and economic systems.

To realize this vision, close collaboration with leading entities in their respective fields is indispensable. This report details our key collaborative achievements with major Japanese energy companies, government agencies, and national institutions in our countries of operation, objectively demonstrating our operational capabilities and technological reliability.

2. Achievements in the Energy Sector: Collaboration with Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. (KEPCO)

The energy problem in Africa’s off-grid areas is a structural challenge characterized by unstable power supply and a reliance on high-cost, environmentally burdensome diesel generation. As a solution, we have developed and provided standalone photovoltaic power generation systems. To verify their future scalability and business sustainability, we have established a strategic partnership with Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. (KEPCO), a leading Japanese electric power company.

2.1. Joint Study for New Solution Businesses (Commenced February 2021)

To explore comprehensive solutions originating from power supply for the diverse social issues in Africa’s off-grid regions, we initiated a “joint study for new solution businesses” with KEPCO. This study was the first step in a strategic partnership aimed at creating broader business opportunities, going beyond the mere provision of our “TUMIQUI Smart Kit” independent power supply system.

2.2. Feasibility Study for a Microgrid Business (Commenced June 2022)

Building on the aforementioned joint study, we conducted a “feasibility study for a microgrid business” to transition from supplying power to individual facilities (points) to constructing an energy infrastructure that covers entire communities (areas).

  • Objective and Background: In rural Africa, microgrids (small-scale power grids) are a critically important social infrastructure, serving as a decentralized energy system that can meet future increases in electricity demand and supplement the national grid. This study aimed to explore the business potential of our independent power supply systems as the core of such microgrids.
  • Details of Collaboration: This study was not a mere theoretical exercise but a practical collaboration leveraging the strengths of both parties. KEPCO provided its extensive expertise in domestic and international energy projects and critical perspectives on business viability. We shared our seven years of on-the-ground operational experience in Senegal and a deep understanding of local-specific challenges and needs. By combining these strengths, we engaged in repeated discussions to develop realistic business models and identify challenges to overcome for future microgrid construction.
  • Outcomes and Significance: The very fact that KEPCO, a representative of Japan’s energy industry, recognized our local track record and future potential and chose us as a partner for this joint study is the strongest testament to the reliability of our technology and business model from the perspective of a major corporation. This collaboration is a crucial milestone, demonstrating that our solution is not a temporary fix but holds the potential to become a part of the future energy infrastructure.

3. Achievements in the ICT and Digital Sectors: Collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) of Japan

The development of power infrastructure is only the first step toward bridging the digital divide. The next challenge is how to implement beneficial digital services to improve people’s lives. To address this, we participated in a collaborative project with Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), which oversees ICT policy.

3.1. Commissioned for the MIC’s Senegal Research Project (Adopted November 2021)

  • Objective and Background: To build a sustainable business model in Senegal for leveraging Japan’s advanced ICT solutions (such as demonstration studies of ICT equipment and realization of remote education) to solve Africa-specific social issues.
  • Project Details and Our Role: In this project, our off-grid data center, “TUMIQUI Smart Base,” served as the official “social implementation platform” for testing and verifying various digital services. We constructed and demonstrated a concrete operational model to determine how to stably operate Japan’s advanced applications in an environment with fragile power and communication infrastructure, and how to monetize them as services that benefit the local population.
  • Outcomes and Significance: The success of this research project proved that our infrastructure can not only supply electricity but also serve as a reliable “last-one-mile” provider for delivering Japan’s national-level strategic digital services to every corner of Africa. This has established our unique position as a low-risk, effective demonstration and deployment partner for Japanese ICT companies entering the African market.

4. Achievements in Education and International Cooperation: Collaboration with the Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Senegal and International Organizations

At the core of our business is the philosophy of contributing to “human resource development,” which shapes the future of a nation. This philosophy has culminated in an official partnership with the Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Senegal and collaborations with international organizations.

4.1. MOU on Promoting the Digital Transformation of Education (Education DX) and Demonstration of Educational Outcomes

  • Background and Objective: Our long-standing activities since our founding, such as supplying electricity to clinics and schools in off-grid areas, built a foundation of trust with the Senegalese Ministry of National Education. Based on this, we signed an official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to contribute to improving the quality and equality of education in alignment with national education policies.
  • Collaboration and Outcomes: Under the MOU, we promoted the electrification of schools and the introduction of ICT education platforms using our power and communication solutions. This initiative has produced remarkable educational outcomes. At Ndiouck Fissel Elementary School, one of the pilot schools, the pass rate for the national standardized exam (CFEE) dramatically increased from 31% to 77%, and the pass rate for the middle school entrance exam rose from 59% to 97% in just one year. We analyze that this success is the result of a combination of factors, including a quantitative expansion of study time through evening study, a qualitative improvement in learning through the use of digital teaching materials, and increased teacher motivation.

4.2. From International Interest to Concrete Developments

This quantitatively proven, significant educational impact and our strong partnership with the Senegalese Ministry of National Education have earned high praise from the international community. In particular, international organizations have taken note of the effectiveness and scalability of our solution. As a result, IOM (International Organization for Migration) The Gambia has decided to install our solution in three national facilities in regions with unstable electricity, and the delivery has been completed. Furthermore, we have had the opportunity to propose an international cooperation project to introduce our solution to schools in another country.

  • Outcomes and Significance: This entire process shows that our business has evolved from individual support activities into a “social infrastructure project” aligned with national education policy. Furthermore, it demonstrates that our track record makes us a “scalable solution” that can be considered for large-scale projects by international organizations.

5. Conclusion

As detailed above, our collaboration with KEPCO objectively demonstrates the “technological reliability of our energy infrastructure,” our co-creation with the MIC validates our “effectiveness as a digital social implementation platform,” and our partnership with the Senegalese Ministry of National Education proves that we are a “proven solution capable of contributing to solving global challenges.”

These achievements are our intangible yet most valuable assets. Building on this foundation, we will continue to deepen our collaboration with leading domestic and international partner companies and public institutions, and strive even further to solve social issues and create sustainable businesses in Africa.

Sources

  • Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. Press Release (June 30, 2022) “Commencement of a Feasibility Study for a Microgrid Business in Off-Grid Areas of Africa”
  • Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. Press Release (February 22, 2021) “Commencement of a Joint Study for New Solution Businesses in Off-Grid Areas of Africa”