JICA Expands Accelerator Programme to Kenya

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is advancing its activities around the pillars of a field-oriented approach, human security, and enhanced effectiveness, efficiency, and speed. Through JICA, with its partners, will take the lead in forging bonds of trust across the world, aspiring for a free, peaceful and prosperous world where people can hope for a better future and explore their diverse potentials.

Therefore, in our recent news, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is expanding its Next Innovation with Japan Accelerator (NINJA) programme to Kenya this year. According to reports JICA’s accelerator programme will take place in Nairobi in April 2021 and will be held in partnership with the Double Feather Partners (DFP) / Deloitte Tohmatsu consortium, and GrowthAfrica.

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Japanese-led accelerator in Kenya

The NINJA Accelerator in Kenya will take place in partnership with Japanese consulting firms Double Feather Partners (DFP), Deloitte Tohmatsu Venture Support (DTVS), Deloitte Tohmatsu Financial Advisory LLC (DTFA), and Kenya-based business accelerator GrowthAfrica.

Five startups in Kenya will be selected to participate in the accelerator programme. Applications to the NINJA Accelerator in Kenya are now open until February 22 and can be completed online. 

The programme will take place over three months and is a tailored, intensive programme that offers both expertise from Japan and Africa with access to several Japanese, African and global mentors, and investors. Each selected startup will receive $15 000 and the opportunity to participate in a business even in Tokyo.

Future plans

JICA plans to roll out its impact in Africa and supporting tech startups in a three-phase approach and Kenya is the first phase of this plan. 

The Grand Finale of the NINJA Business Plan Competition

JICA is hosting the finals of its NINJA Business Plan Competition in Response to Covid-19 on February 26 2020. Ten finalists have been selected to take part in the final of the competition and include the following; 

• Agrinfo (Tanzania), 
• And Africa LLC (South Africa), 
• Appy People (Angola), 
• Emergency Response Africa (Nigeria), 
• Lifestores Healthcare (Nigeria), 
• MajestEYE (Tunisia), 
• Mobile Scan Solutions (Uganda), 
• Moja Ride (Côte d’Ivoire),
• TranSoniCa (Ghana), and Upepo Technology (Kenya). 

At the grand final, the selected startups mentioned above will participate in a pitching event to further investment and potential business partnerships. 

The event will be live-streamed online.