DFP Participates in the Joint Mission for Promoting Trade and Investment in Africa

DFP participated in the Joint Mission for Promoting Trade and Investment in Africa, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and conducted official visits to Ethiopia and Ghana alongside representatives from 41 Japanese companies and organizations.

Launched in 2008, the mission is one of Japan’s flagship initiatives aimed at strengthening trade and investment relations with African countries. DFP has been a regular participant since the program’s inception. This year’s mission focused on following up on the outcomes of TICAD 9 and advancing concrete business opportunities through enhanced public–private and private-sector collaboration.

In Ethiopia, the delegation engaged in discussions with senior government officials, including H.E. Mr. Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance; H.E. Dr. Gedion Timothewos Hessebon, Minister of Foreign Affairs; H.E. Mr. Melaku Alebel Addis, Minister of Industry; and H.E. Dr. Kassahun Gofe Balami, Minister of Trade and Regional Integration. These meetings provided valuable insights into Ethiopia’s economic priorities and policy direction.

The program also included site visits to key institutions and companies, such as Safaricom Ethiopia, Bole Lemi Industrial Park—Ethiopia’s first industrial park with a primary focus on the garment and apparel sector—and Ethiopian Airlines. These visits offered opportunities to engage with major stakeholders across the telecommunications, manufacturing, and aviation industries.

In Ghana, the delegation held courtesy meetings with senior government officials, including Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and H.E. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang. The discussions reaffirmed the importance of deepening Japan–Ghana economic cooperation and supporting the activities of Japanese businesses operating in the country.

The delegation also visited Melcom Group, Ghana’s largest retail supplier, as well as Toyota Tsusho Manufacturing Ghana Ltd., DTRT Apparel, Mohinani Group’s plastic recycling facility, Tema Port—the country’s largest port—and local fintech company Momo. In addition, DFP participated in the Japan–Ghana Business Forum, where participants exchanged views on Ghana’s investment strategies and the local business environment.

DFP would like to express its appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and all stakeholders involved for the opportunity to participate in this mission.