The “Meet the Tôshikas” initiative has recognized six African technology startups as finalists in a program that aims to immerse Japanese investors in the vibrant startup ecosystems of Africa, while also guiding the selected African startups on a journey to become investment-ready.
This program is an endeavor of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), facilitated through its Africa Sustainable Finance Hub (ASFH) and supported by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The program’s primary objective is to attract Japanese venture capital interest to the African continent. The inaugural edition of “Meet the Tôshikas” will be hosted in three African countries: Zambia, Angola, and South Africa, with the UNDP collaborating with Double Feather Partners to design and implement the program.
Initially, 30 startups—10 from each participating country—were chosen to engage in intensive bootcamps. From this group, six startups—two from each country—have been selected to participate in a bespoke three-month program tailored to enhance their investment readiness. In addition to receiving hands-on support, these startups will each be awarded a catalytic grant of US$20,000 and will have the opportunity to showcase their businesses during a one-week investor roadshow in Tokyo.
The two standout ventures from Angola are Anda, which is revolutionizing the informal moto-taxi sector, and Mamboo, which offers rapid and efficient delivery services for food and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). Representing South Africa are Zoie Health, an e-health startup, and Jobox, a platform dedicated to assisting university graduates in securing their first employment opportunities.
From Zambia, the selected startups are Bosso, which is developing a platform to simplify and reduce the cost of house construction, and AfriOnline Group, which provides an integrated service for customers to place orders from restaurants, supermarkets, and wholesalers.
Tomas Sales, the private sector special advisor at the UNDP Africa Sustainable Finance Hub, which is responsible for the “Meet the Tôshikas” project, expressed profound honor in being able to offer African startups the chance to connect with Japanese investors through METI’s support. He also emphasized the importance of this initiative in allowing Japanese investors to explore and identify compelling startup ventures in Africa, which have been carefully selected through a strategic ecosystem development approach that considers both local growth potential and risk awareness, facilitated by a network of on-the-ground partners.
Sales further noted that by showcasing a diverse range of markets, from the more established South African market to the emerging markets of Angola and Zambia, the program presents a comprehensive view of the variety and potential of early-stage investment opportunities for investors looking to strategically deploy capital in Africa.
