Unicharm Corporation (President & CEO: Mr. Takahisa Takahara) is pleased to announce that Mr. Kenji Takaku, Executive Managing and CMO, participated as a panelist in the “Public-Private Business Dialogue” held during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), which took place from August 20 to 22, 2025, at Pacifico Yokohama in Minato Mirai. He joined moderator Mr. Ken Shibusawa (Chairman of the Middle East and Africa Committee, Japan Association of Corporate Executives), Dr. William Ruto, President of Republic of Kenya, and three other panelists to discuss business strategies and proposals for addressing social challenges in the African market.

TICAD (Tokyo International Conference on African Development) is an international conference focused on African development, initiated by the Government of Japan in 1993 and co-hosted with the United Nations, UNDP, African Union Commission (AUC), and the World Bank. It is a globally recognized open forum that brings together African leaders, international organizations, private companies, and civil society to promote public-private partnerships for African development.

1. Panel Overview

• Theme: “Promoting Regional Connectivity and Integration, and Strengthening Linkages Within and Beyond the Region”
• Date: August 21, 2025
• Format: Panel discussion with one moderator and five panelists
• Objective: To promote business collaboration between Africa and Japanese companies, leading to investment, industrial development, and market expansion.

2. Panelists

• Moderator: Mr. Ken Shibusawa (Chairman, Middle East and Africa Committee, Japan Association of Corporate Executives)
• Panelists:
  • Dr. William Ruto (President, Republic of Kenya)
  • Mr. Kenji Takaku (Executive Managing & CMO, Unicharm Corporation)
  • Mr. Lemma Yadecha (Chief Commercial Officer, Ethiopian Airlines)
  • Mr. Norihiko Ishiguro (President, JETRO)
  • Mr. Cas Coovadia (B20 Sherpa)

Under the theme “Promoting Regional Connectivity and Integration, and Strengthening Linkages Within and Beyond the Region,” Mr. Takaku emphasized the importance of balancing corporate growth with solving social issues through business activities in Africa from the perspective of a private enterprise.

He shared specific challenges and approaches based on on-the-ground experiences, focusing on three key areas:

1.    Need for Harmonized Intra-Regional Tariffs
To ensure stable business operations in the African market, companies must scale across multiple countries. However, tariff barriers currently hinder efficient operations. Harmonizing intra-regional tariffs is essential to respond swiftly to consumer needs with appropriate products and services.

2.    Unification of Country-Specific Systems
Customs procedures, tax systems, and certification requirements vary significantly across African countries. Even identical products require separate registration and procedures in each country. Unifying these systems would greatly expand market access and enable sustainable growth for both businesses and local communities.

3.    Strengthening Public-Private Support for Hygiene and Education Initiatives
Promoting hygiene products such as sanitary napkins and diapers requires culturally sensitive awareness campaigns. Unicharm is committed not only to product provision but also to educational and awareness activities that improve quality of life. Public-private collaboration can further contribute to Africa’s development.

Mr. Takaku expressed that Africa is not only an attractive business market but also a field where Unicharm’s mission of “realizing a coexistent society” can be embodied. As a company that “challenges together with consumers,” Unicharm aims to enhance its brand value, deepen relationships with local communities, and contribute to building a sustainable future through collaboration with public and industrial sectors.

Unicharm positions Africa as one of its key regions and will continue contributing to sustainable development through co-creation with local communities. Following a resolution by the Board of Directors on June 18, 2025, Unicharm plans to establish a joint venture, “Sofy East Africa Limited,” with Toyota Tsusho Corporation and its group company CFAO Kenya Limited in December 2025. This venture will strengthen local manufacturing and sales capabilities, accelerating the provision of consumer-oriented products and services in Kenya and the broader East African region.

<Related Information>

TICAD9 Office Website

https://www.mofa.go.jp/region/africa/ticad/ticad9/index.html