Nelson Mandela Bay is set to position itself as Africa’s next major investment hotspot at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), taking place from 20 to 22 August 2025 in Yokohama, Japan. Thanks to the support of the Japanese External Trade Organisation (JETRO), the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber will present its flagship Bay of Opportunity initiative to potential Japanese investors. This presentation will highlight two of the metro’s leading companies, Jendamark and Sovereign Foods, who will be represented as part of the initiative, though not necessarily attending in person, marking a strategic push to unlock international trade and development partnerships.
Co-hosted by the Government of Japan, the United Nations, UNDP, the African Union Commission, and the World Bank, TICAD 9 is a premier platform for Africa-Japan cooperation across government, business and development sectors. This year’s theme, “Co-create innovative solutions with Africa,” focuses on the importance of inclusive growth, resilience and innovation, an agenda that aligns directly with the Chamber’s vision for the Nelson Mandela Bay economy.
“This is a defining moment for the metro,” said Chamber CEO Denise van Huyssteen, who will present the Bay of Opportunity at the summit. “We are showcasing Nelson Mandela Bay not only as a gateway to Africa but as a future-focused diverse manufacturing and innovation hub with untapped potential.”
Van Huyssteen said TICAD 9 aligns closely with the Chamber’s mission to reposition the Bay as an ideal investment location and exports centre, as a two-port metro which is anchored by strong manufacturing and agriculture sectors. “We’re not just promoting trade but also bringing a message that the Bay is a place of innovation and change, and is open for business. The Bay has the potential to lead Africa’s industrial regeneration, and this is ready to be leveraged and unleashed.”
She added that Japan’s emphasis on technology, youth empowerment and connectivity reflects the goals of the Chamber’s Local Economy Reinvention Think Tank, which is focused on reinventing and adapting our local manufacturing economy to respond with agility to the fast-moving geo-political and technological changes which are happening around the globe. “This is about repositioning, strengthening and reinventing our current manufacturing and other sectoral strengths, to retain and grow investment and employment opportunities in the Bay,” she said.
The selection of Jendamark and Sovereign Foods, which will be represented through the Bay of Opportunity at TICAD 9, underscores the metro’s dual economic strengths of manufacturing, technology and innovation, and agribusiness. Both companies are referred to as Challenge Owners at TICAD, meaning they have identified specific local challenges and opportunities they wish to address through collaboration with Japanese companies - whether through partnerships, investments or shared problem-solving.
For Jendamark, a global leader in industrial automation and digital manufacturing, the summit represents a strategic leap into Asia. “This is a significant milestone,” said Managing Director Quinton Uren. “Japan is a high-tech market and we see real potential for exports, joint ventures and innovation partnerships across Asia and Africa. The Chamber’s work in preparing the local economy for the future is exactly the kind of long-term thinking we need to stay competitive globally.”
As a Challenge Owner, Jendamark is looking to partner with Japanese firms in tackling three key issues in South Africa’s automotive and industrial ecosystem: firstly, addressing the critical need for skills development and youth empowerment in a country facing high youth unemployment and a shortage of skilled labour. The company sees immense value in skills transfer, especially through the adoption of renowned Japanese manufacturing methodologies and best practices. Secondly, Jendamark is exploring solutions to overcome technological limitations that are constraining innovation due to current processing capabilities. Lastly, the company is seeking cost-effective and reliable energy solutions, as planned power outages across the country threaten business continuity and productivity.
Sovereign Foods, one of South Africa’s largest poultry producers, views TICAD 9 as a launchpad into high-value markets such as Japan, while addressing Africa’s growing need for sustainable food systems. “This is more than a trade mission; it’s about shaping the future of food security,” said CEO Chris Coombes. “The Bay of Opportunity positions the metro as a serious player in global agribusiness where quality, sustainability and innovation are non-negotiable. We’re proud to help tell that story.”
As a Challenge Owner, Sovereign is presenting a set of pressing challenges and potential collaboration areas to Japanese counterparts. The global industry continues to be impacted by bird flu outbreaks, rising input costs for feed, fuel and electricity, and increasing competition from low-cost imported poultry. In addition, the company sees opportunity for innovation in new product development to help differentiate its brand in competitive markets. Sovereign is actively seeking partnerships in sustainable packaging innovation to extend product shelf life while remaining cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The company has also recently expanded into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) through a new subsidiary in Dubai, and is looking to collaborate on market development strategies tailored to regional consumer preferences, particularly around deboned chicken leg and thigh products.
Furthermore, Sovereign is open to working with Japanese firms on bird flu mitigation technologies, the development of vegan or alternative protein products, cost-saving solutions in feed and energy efficiency, as well as equipment upgrades and agri-processing improvements. The company remains open to additional proposals that could support innovation and resilience in its supply chain.
Notably, neither Jendamark nor Sovereign Foods currently trade in Japan, making their participation a pivotal step towards building new market linkages and bilateral relationships.
One of the leading vehicle manufacturers Isuzu Motors South Africa represents the largest Japanese investor currently operating in the Bay.
With over 240 African exhibitors and strong participation from Japanese government and industry, TICAD 9 offers a rare opportunity for Nelson Mandela Bay to place itself directly in the path of a key market like Japan, innovation and influence. The platform also allows the metro to drive a bold message that it is open for business and ready for the future.
#ResurgingTheBay #BayOfOpportunity