Yoren Awarded METI's 'Global South Co-Creation Project' and Begins Operations as JACCI Secretariat
株式会社Yoren has been awarded the 'FY2025 Supplementary Budget: Co-creation Project with the Global South through Technology and Human Resource Collaboration' by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). As the secretariat for the Japan Africa Co-Creation for Industry (JACCI) initiative, the company will focus on mobility, healthcare, and AI/digital talent development to foster collaborative business creation. Member recruitment is currently underway.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 21, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 21, 2026 at 10:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 21, 2026 at 10:59 (27 min after Collected)
株式会社Yoren (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Osamu Kaneda) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)'s 'FY2025 Supplementary Budget: Co-creation Project with the Global South through Technology and Human Resource Collaboration (Future Business Partner Development Program based on Japan-Africa Collaboration).'
Background of the Project
In recent years, Africa has seen remarkable growth in local startups driven by smartphone penetration and a growing young population. These startups are successfully formalizing and tapping into middle-to-low-income consumer markets using digital technologies. For Japanese companies, collaborating with local startups—which act as guides and are deeply familiar with local needs—and the venture capital firms that back them is considered an effective strategy that also contributes to solving social issues.
In this context, METI launched the 'Japan Africa Co-Creation for Industry (JACCI)' framework to support Japanese companies' entry into Africa. Yoren has served as the JACCI secretariat since last year and has been awarded this project again for the current fiscal year.
Policy and Initiatives for the Current Fiscal Year
Following last year's validation, the focus for this year will be on identifying business opportunities and conducting proof-of-concept (PoC) studies in three key areas:
1. Mobility: Aiming to implement and validate an entry model that aggregates Japanese companies with proven track records in Africa.
2. Healthcare: A new area for JACCI. We will review Japanese entry cases and investment areas of Japanese VCs to formulate hypotheses for business opportunities.
3. AI & Digital Talent: Leveraging the AI training supply base established last year to validate the realization of a talent circulation ecosystem for African industries and Japanese companies.
Recruiting JACCI Secretariat Members
The fourth open call for JACCI participating members (Deadline: June 30, 2026, 23:59) is currently underway.
[Target Applicants]
- Companies that resonate with JACCI's philosophy (the 'bundling' concept).
- Companies capable of building packaging solutions for the local African industrial ecosystem (including startups).
- Companies capable of building business models and creating new ventures with Japanese companies.
*Applications require a summary of a proposed business plan sent via email.
Background of the Project
In recent years, Africa has seen remarkable growth in local startups driven by smartphone penetration and a growing young population. These startups are successfully formalizing and tapping into middle-to-low-income consumer markets using digital technologies. For Japanese companies, collaborating with local startups—which act as guides and are deeply familiar with local needs—and the venture capital firms that back them is considered an effective strategy that also contributes to solving social issues.
In this context, METI launched the 'Japan Africa Co-Creation for Industry (JACCI)' framework to support Japanese companies' entry into Africa. Yoren has served as the JACCI secretariat since last year and has been awarded this project again for the current fiscal year.
Policy and Initiatives for the Current Fiscal Year
Following last year's validation, the focus for this year will be on identifying business opportunities and conducting proof-of-concept (PoC) studies in three key areas:
1. Mobility: Aiming to implement and validate an entry model that aggregates Japanese companies with proven track records in Africa.
2. Healthcare: A new area for JACCI. We will review Japanese entry cases and investment areas of Japanese VCs to formulate hypotheses for business opportunities.
3. AI & Digital Talent: Leveraging the AI training supply base established last year to validate the realization of a talent circulation ecosystem for African industries and Japanese companies.
Recruiting JACCI Secretariat Members
The fourth open call for JACCI participating members (Deadline: June 30, 2026, 23:59) is currently underway.
[Target Applicants]
- Companies that resonate with JACCI's philosophy (the 'bundling' concept).
- Companies capable of building packaging solutions for the local African industrial ecosystem (including startups).
- Companies capable of building business models and creating new ventures with Japanese companies.
*Applications require a summary of a proposed business plan sent via email.
FAQ
How can companies participate in Yoren's project?
Submit a business proposal via the official application form. The deadline for the 4th recruitment is June 30, 2026.
What are the benefits of joining JACCI?
Benefits include access to event information, activity reports, and opportunities to co-create with key local African industry players.
Can individuals apply?
The recruitment is targeted at companies, such as PE/VC firms, CVCs, and operating companies.