Suzuki Motor Corporation, TradeWaltz Inc., and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) officially established their cooperation with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9). Through digital inventions and environmentally friendly logistical solutions, this partnership aims to strengthen India-Africa automobile trade.
One of the main goals of this cooperation is to fix the inefficiencies in current American automakers trade practices, including the manual processing of bills of lading, and to offer effective, digital solutions meant to increase trade between these two areas. In addition to the focus on digitalization, the alliance is dedicated towards reducing the carbon footprint, which is related to automotive logistics. Thereby, demonstrating a shared commitment to the sustainable methods that are eco-friendly.
This India-Africa automobile trade was introduced earlier in 2025 when the Japan-India-Africa Business Forum was hosted in Tokyo. It is in line with the “Japan–India Cooperation Initiative for Sustainable Economic Development in Africa.” The major global shipping company, MOL, is looking forward to boosting its automobile transport services from India to Africa. This move comes in as a response to the increasing demand for dependable vehicle delivery.
Supported by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), TradeWaltz has already investigated trade digitalization, first in Kenya as part of the AfDX project and more recently in India via the Global South Fund Master Plan Development Project. Through exporting small, fuel-efficient automobiles made in India, Suzuki keeps meeting the mobility demands of Africa. This India-Africa automobile trade brings out models that are appealing to both Indian as well as African customers
The declaration of the MoU at TICAD 9 underscores its importance as a fundamental first step toward building a solid, technology-driven automotive supply chain spanning Africa and India. Using the particular advantages of each participant, the partners are dedicated to promoting economic development in both areas.
