Strengthening Commercial Connections Between Japan and Côte d’Ivoire

Double Feather Partners participated in the J-Twende Côte d’Ivoire Business Co-Creation Mission, organised by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) in Abidjan from 24 to 26 September. DFP was represented by its CEO, Kohei Muto, joining Japanese and Ivorian business leaders to explore opportunities for commercial collaboration and investment.

The mission focused on strengthening connections between companies in Japan and Côte d’Ivoire across several sectors, including agriculture, mobility, digital transformation and healthcare infrastructure. Through business discussions and company visits, participants had the opportunity to learn more about the Ivorian business environment, understand local market needs and identify areas where Japanese expertise and investment could contribute to business development.

Learning from Côte d’Ivoire’s Business Landscape

The programme included planned visits to SIFCA Group and companies within the SIFCOM Group, including ATC Comafrique. These engagements provided opportunities to understand the activities and priorities of established Ivorian businesses and consider potential areas for cooperation with Japanese companies.

Côte d’Ivoire is an important commercial hub in West Africa, with opportunities across agriculture, infrastructure, logistics and technology-enabled services. For Japanese companies considering expansion into the region, direct engagement with local businesses can help clarify market requirements, identify potential partners and develop a more practical understanding of how to enter and operate in the market.

Such exchanges are particularly valuable in sectors where successful collaboration depends on adapting technology, business models and investment structures to local conditions.

From Business Introductions to Commercial Partnerships

For DFP, the mission aligned with its broader work connecting African businesses with Japanese corporates and investors. The focus extends beyond facilitating introductions. It involves understanding the commercial priorities of both sides, identifying areas of mutual interest and helping translate initial discussions into potential investment and business partnerships.

This approach is relevant as Japanese companies increasingly explore opportunities across African markets. While technology and capital can provide important foundations for expansion, successful market entry also requires trusted local relationships, a clear understanding of customer needs and partners capable of supporting implementation.

Côte d’Ivoire offers a valuable setting for developing these connections, particularly across sectors where Japanese companies may bring relevant industrial capabilities, technology and operational experience.

Building the Japan-Africa Business Corridor

DFP’s participation in the J-Twende mission reflects its continued commitment to strengthening business and investment links between Japan and Africa. Engagements such as this provide a foundation for identifying opportunities that can benefit companies in both markets while contributing to the development of local industries.

DFP looks forward to building on the discussions and relationships established during the mission and exploring opportunities to support practical collaboration between Japanese and Ivorian businesses.

The firm thanks JETRO, the participating companies and the Ivorian business community for their engagement and hospitality.