Matching Social
Entrepreneurs:
An African - Japanese
Entrepreneurship
Program
Organized by the African Diaspora Network Japan (ADNJ)
and Ashoka Diaspora Networks.
Ii

About the Organizers
ADNJAshoka

The African Diaspora Network Japan (ADNJ) is a dynamic

Ashoka has pioneered the field of social entrepreneurshipnetwork within the African community in Japan,

since 1980, identifying and supporting close to 4000

committed to fostering socio-economic development ties

leading social entrepreneurs in over 90 countries, we referbetween Japan and African nations. It is the United Africa

to them as Ashoka Fellows. Ashoka is currently buildingin Japan with over 3000 members that brings Japaneseand cultivating a community of Fellows, Youngand African together as one community for theChangemakers, Changemaker Institutions, and beyond.

betterment of both societies. As part of our activities toTogether, amidst the exponential growth of a new

foster Africa-Japan business relationships and youth

inequality in changemaking at a worldwide scale, weemployment opportunities, we organize Africa-Osaka

mobilize (and accelerate) a movement to build anBusiness Forum every year in partnership with Higashi-"Everyone a Changemaker" world where all people have

Osaka City, the organization for Small & Medium

the right and ability to co-lead solutions that transform

Enterprises and Regional Innovation of Japan,

their societies for the better.
..

Program Objectives
1

Connect Social Entrepreneurs
Bridge gap between African and Japanese participants. Boostentrepreneurial skills and expertise.

2

Foster Cross-Cultural Collaboration
Encourage mutual understanding and collaboration between
African and Japanese participants.

3

Strengthen Socio-Economic Ties
Enhance connections between Japan and African countries. Foster
business partnerships and networking opportunities.

Key Program Attributes

Strong Network

Cultural Exchange

Expertise andExperience

Comprehensive
Program

By Leveraging ADNJ's

Through Unique cross-extensive network withincultural collaboration

By providing Access to

Due to it Holistic approach

the African diaspora in

between African andexperienced mentors andcovering workshops,

Japan and Ashoka's global

Japanese youth, thereby

successful entrepreneurs

mentorship, pitching, andchangemakers and social

promoting diverse

from both regions.

incubation support.

entrepreneurs' network.

perspectives.

Expected Outcomes
Empowered Entrepreneurs
Participants will gain the skills and confidence to start and manage new
impact ideas that cut across global communities.

Strengthened Socio-Economic Ties
New partnerships and networks will contribute to the socio-economic
development of Japan, selected African countries and elsewhere.

Changemaker Mindset
Participants will develop a social responsibility mindset and become proactive
changemakers in their communities.

Increased Employment Opportunities
Support for job creation will lead to new businesses, social impact, andinnovative earning opportunities for youth.

Program Components1Entrepreneurship Call-out Advert

2Matching Entrepreneurs

3Co-Creation and Ideation

4Pitching

Invite entrepreneurs from Japan and an initial 5 Africa countries to submit theirapplications and existing businesses. Review proposals and inform successful
entrepreneurs.

Designing a Kick-off session to identify and create best fit partner matches for the cocreation program.

Support matched participants to co-create an impact idea that can be launched in boththeir countries and/or organisation. Invite experienced entrepreneurs, businessleaders, and industry experts from both regions to provide guidance, support, andinsights.

Organize a space for matched entrepreneurs to present their co-created ideas that
impact and influence both countries. This would be presented to government officials,
industry experts, and investors for seed funding and support.

Implementation Plan And Timeline
Phase 1: Planning (July 2024)
Establish steering committee, develop curriculum, andlaunch application campaign.

Phase 2: Execution (August - October 2024)
Conduct workshops, implement co-creation program, andorganize pitching opportunities.

Phase 3: Evaluation (November 2024)
Evaluate program impact and plan for scaling.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps
The collaborative program presents a unique opportunity tocultivate a new generation of entrepreneurs in Africa andJapan. By combining resources, expertise, and networks,
this program will create a transformative experience that
fosters innovation, cross-cultural understanding, and socioeconomic development.

Be part of this new co-creative drive for a better tomorrow!
Visit www.application form to register

For More Information, Contact:
David Kpondehou

Iveren Ityoikaa

Email: dkpondehou@adnjapan.org

Email: iityoikaa@ashoka.org

Tel: +81 70-4111-6707

Tel: +234 803 429 6431

For Africa Diaspora Network Japan

For: Ashoka Diaspora Networks