Three Japanese firms join forces to build automobile trade corridor between India and Africa 

Three Japanese corporations — Mitsui O.S.Ok. Lines, Ltd, TradeWaltz Inc. and Suzuki Motor Corporation — have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for cooperation on collaboration in automobile trade between India and Africa. 

This announcement was made on the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), held in Yokohama.

The three corporations stated they’ll cooperate in figuring out present challenges in trade operations associated to automobile transportation between India and Africa, and exploring potential options, together with digitalisation and selling decarbonisation.

Recognising the significance of the “Japan–India Cooperation Initiative for Sustainable Economic Development in Africa” launched on the Japan–India–Africa Business Forum held in February 2025, the three corporations recognized synergies between their respective companies in India and Africa, and intention to contribute to the areas’ financial growth collectively by leveraging their strengths, they stated.

“Announcing this MOU on the occasion of TICAD 9 marks a concrete first step toward building a robust supply chain and enhancing the economic connectivity of the enormous, growing markets in India and Africa,” the three corporations stated in a joint assertion.

The three corporations will proceed to embody the spirit of TICAD by their initiatives, working collectively to determine a sturdy automobile provide chain between India and Africa, and reaching shared development along with India and Africa, they added.

“This partnership is an important step toward building a robust automobile trade corridor between India and Africa. By combining MOL’s expertise in safe, sustainable transport with the innovation of our partners, we aim to create a more digitalized, resilient, and future-ready supply chain that contributes to the growth of both regions,” stated Capt. Anand Jayaraman, Executive Officer, MOL South Asia and Middle East Region. 

The main problem within the automobile trade between India and Africa is the guide processing of key paperwork like payments of lading. While TradeWaltz will tackle this, MOL, which is at the moment increasing automobile transport companies from India to Africa, would deploy extra capability to cater to the quickly rising demand on this trade route. 

Suzuki, on its half, is supporting the mobility of individuals in Africa by offering Indian-made compact vehicles and different merchandise. 

“The demand for fuel-efficient, durable and affordable compact vehicles from Africa’s middle class is shared by our Indian customers and the proximity of India and Africa is driving this business,” Suzuki stated.