Incorporated administrative agency JICA = Japan International Cooperation Agency and IT giant Rakuten have decided to embark on a joint project to support start-up companies in developing countries such as Africa.
On the 25th, JICA and Rakuten signed an agreement in which Rakuten supports companies in developing countries supported by JICA.
Specifically, Rakuten will provide local start-up companies with IT and marketing know-how.
In addition, Rakuten sells products from companies in developing countries on Rakuten's online shopping site, supports the development of apps for various purposes, and accepts internships for international students visiting Japan from developing countries. It is said that it will support training.
First of all, we envision supporting IT-related start-up companies in Africa, where communication networks are being developed as the population grows.
Through this project, JICA and Rakuten will promote technological innovation in developing countries, aim to realize the Sustainable Development Goals = "SDGs" set by the United Nations, and to build a foothold for business in developing countries where the market is expected to expand. There is.
At an online press conference, JICA Director Nobuko Kayashima stated his aspirations, "I want to bring innovation = technological innovation to international cooperation and create an unprecedented impact."