With a growing population, abundant mineral reserves, and a vibrant startup market, following the holding of TICAD 9 (The Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development) in August 2025, interest in Africa is booming in Japan. This issue’s special feature focuses on Africa’s potential from multiple angles. It opens with an interview with the CEO of Africa Finance Corporation; followed by an overview of Africa’s development from a strategic perspective by AMANO Tatsushi, senior executive managing officer at JBIC; a discussion among three young JBIC staff members involved in local projects; and case studies of private sector initiatives by Toyota Tsusho Corporation and Hokkoku Financial Holdings.
AFRICA: WHERE DIVERSITY MEETS OPPORTUNITY
- Laying the foundations:
the vital importance of
infrastructure investment
PERSPECTIVE 
- Engaging with 54 nations
—JBIC’s co-creation strategy ANALYSIS 
- JBIC’s next generation discuss how to
advance African projects ROUNDTABLE 
These case studies are the stories of pioneering companies that are developing prominent businesses focused on Africa’s growth. Toyota Tsusho Corporation was one of the first Japanese companies to enter Africa, where it is currently developing various businesses, while Hokkoku Financial Holdings was the first Japanese financial institution to establish an African subsidiary.
- Toyota Tsusho’s growth strategy,
driven by a thorough on-the-ground
approach and backed by a century of
pioneering new horizons with Africa CASE STUDY 
- From Kanazawa to Africa:
The pioneering spirit of Hokkoku
Financial Holdings sows the seeds for
market entry by Japanese companies CASE STUDY 
JBIC STORY Through constant monitoring, an economist hones his analytical skills for sovereign credit ratings that assess the creditworthiness of foreign governments 
OUR GLOBAL CHALLENGES Bringing Japan’s practical hazard mitigation technology to the world, starting with specialist solutions tailored for Taiwan and Vietnam Raiteku Co., Ltd. 
ON THE “GROUND” FROM AROUND THE WORLD Insights gained from international conferences in South America’s rising green powerhouse Representative Office in Rio de Janeiro 
The Japan Bank for International Cooperation has been publishing JBIC Today since 2003 to present its diverse initiatives around the world. In addition to feature articles exploring current affairs, the magazine carries interviews with the leaders of companies that have received JBIC support for their overseas operations, as well as with young JBIC staffers working on the frontlines of the bank’s activities.
