MOL, Suzuki and TradeWaltz to collaborate in automobile trade between India and Africa

The MoU marks a concrete first step toward building a robust supply chain and enhancing the economic connectivity of the rapidly growing markets in India and Africa.

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Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd (MOL), TradeWaltz, Inc and Suzuki Motor Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday to cooperate and collaborate in automobile trade between India and Africa.The MoU was signed at the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), being held in Yokohama.

The three companies will cooperate in identifying challenges in trade operations regarding automobile transportation between India and Africa, explore potential solutions, including digitalisation and promote decarbonisation, they said in a joint statement.

Recognising the importance of the ‘Japan–India Cooperation Initiative for Sustainable Economic Development in Africa’ launched at the Japan–India–Africa Business Forum held in February 2025, the three companies identified synergies between their respective businesses in India and Africa and aim to contribute to the regions’ economic development together by leveraging their individual strengths.The MoU marks a concrete first step toward building a robust supply chain and enhancing the economic connectivity of the rapidly growing markets in India and Africa, the companies said.

The three companies will continue to embody the spirit of TICAD through their initiatives, working together to establish a robust automobile supply chain between India and Africa, and achieving shared growth together with India and Africa.

“This partnership is an important step towards building a robust automobile trade corridor between India and Africa. By combining MOL’s expertise in safe, sustainable transport with the innovation of our partners, we aim to create a more digitalised, resilient, and future-ready supply chain that contributes to the growth of both the regions,” said Capt Anand Jayaraman, Executive Officer, MOL South Asia and Middle East Region.MOL, the world’s second largest ship owner, is currently expanding automobile transport services from India to Africa, where demand is growing.

Suzuki said it supports the mobility of people in Africa through providing Indian-made compact cars and other products. The demand for fuel-efficient, durable and affordable compact vehicles from Africa’s middle class is shared by our Indian customers and the proximity of India and Africa is driving this business, it added.

TradeWaltz runs a trade platform utilizing blockchain technology to streamline trade processes and digitize trade data across industries. It is funded by 18 corporations, including NTT DATA Corporation, Toyota Tsusho Corporation, UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd, SUMITOMO CORPORATION, Mitsubishi Corporation, TW Link Corporation (Joint Venture of Kanematsu Corporation), Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Toyoshima & Co., Ltd, Kamigumi Co., Ltd, FUJITRANS CORPORATION, Mitsui-Soko Holdings Co., Ltd, Nissin Corporation, MUFG Bank, Ltd, Marubeni Corporation, Mitsubishi Logistics Corporation, Mizuho Bank, Ltd and Sompo Japan Insurance Inc.TradeWaltz conducted a market study on trade digitalisation in Kenya in 2024 as part of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)’s ‘AfDX’, and in India in 2025 under METI’s ‘Global South Fund Master Plan Development Project’.