February 26, 2026
Planning Division Deputy Director Yoshihisa Asada Speaks at the METI’s “Japan–Africa Business Partnership Seminar”
On February 16, 2026, Mr. Yoshihisa Asada, Deputy Director of the Planning Division of Oriental Consultants Global Co., Ltd. (OC Global; Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo) , spoke at the “Japan–Africa Business Partnership Seminar: Master Plan Reporting Session,” held at City Lab Tokyo.
This seminar was conducted as part of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan’s Global South Future-Oriented Co-Creation Program (Africa). The program aims to strengthen economic partnerships with Sub-Saharan African countries by responding to the actual conditions and needs of partner countries while promoting the overseas expansion of infrastructure and other projects that leverage the advanced technologies and expertise of Japanese companies.
On the day of the seminar, Mr. Asada presented the results of a study aimed at strengthening the supply chains for critical minerals, including copper and cobalt, in the “Copperbelt region,” centered on Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
He emphasized the importance of integrating local governments’ national policies with the Government of Japan’s support schemes through close public–private collaboration. By doing so, he proposed reducing entry risks for Japanese companies and building a stable supply network for ”critical minerals,” which are essential to next-generation industries.
Through participation in this seminar, OC Global will further strengthen public–private partnerships and continue contributing to the resolution of challenges faced by both Japan and partner countries.
