In a major step toward building a stronger automobile supply chain between India and Africa, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), TradeWaltz Inc., and Suzuki Motor Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).
The agreement focuses on two key areas:
- Streamlining trade operations for automobile transportation between India and Africa, with a special focus on digitalization to reduce manual processes.
- Promoting decarbonization, aligning with global sustainability initiatives.
The collaboration reflects the spirit of the “Japan–India Cooperation Initiative for Sustainable Economic Development in Africa”, launched in February 2025. By leveraging their individual strengths, the three companies aim to contribute to Africa’s growing automotive market while supporting India’s role as a key mobility hub.
- MOL is expanding automobile transport services from India to Africa, where demand is increasing rapidly.
- TradeWaltz has conducted market studies on digitalizing trade in Kenya and India under projects commissioned by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
- Suzuki is meeting Africa’s mobility needs with compact, fuel-efficient, and affordable cars manufactured in India—products that also appeal to India’s middle-class consumers.
The companies emphasized that signing the MoU at TICAD 9 is a concrete first step toward enhancing economic connectivity between India and Africa and contributing to sustainable growth in both regions.
