Angolan startups pitch to Japanese investors in Tokyo through the “Meet the Tôshikas” programme

September 5, 2024

The #MeettheTôshikas workshop was held in April in Luanda

UNDP Angola

and promote economic diversification. As the country seeks to reduce its dependence on oil and gas, programmes focused on innovation and investment are becoming essential to stimulate new areas of sustainable growth.

Funded by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Meet the Tôshikas programme, implemented by UNDP through the Sustainable Finance Hub, was created to help African startups access investment, strengthen their capacities, and boost their growth. The initiative focuses on connecting African entrepreneurs and Japanese investors, fostering a direct exchange of ideas, experiences, and collaboration opportunities.

In April 2024, UNDP Angola held the #MeettheTôshikas workshop, during which ten pre-selected startups, out of 59 applicants in the country, presented their projects to the public and industry experts.

After a process that included training sessions, mentorship, and regional bootcamps, two Angolan startups were selected for the final stage: Anda and Mamboo.ao. In total, six startups—two from each country (Angola, South Africa, and Zambia)—were chosen to participate in an intensive investment-readiness programme and receive a catalytic grant of USD 20,000.

In an interview with UNDP, Sérgio Tati, Co-Founder and CEO of Anda, explained that the programme offered a unique opportunity for learning and visibility:

Collaborating with institutions like Double Feather and the UNDP helps us create a strong foundation for fundraising. They assist us in understanding what investors look for, including key KPIs and all aspects of investment readiness. Additionally, connecting with potential investors interested in the African market is invaluable. Moreover, the program offers more than just financial support. The experience of investors who have invested across geographies and seen companies like ours can provide invaluable advice. This expertise is worth much more than just monetary investment.

Anda Angola is dedicated to tackling urban mobility challenges by providing full support to motorcycle taxi drivers: financing and maintenance of bikes, training, GPS, insurance, and administrative management. The startup aims to professionalize a sector that sustains thousands of families and is a vital source of income for young people across the country.

Meanwhile, Mamboo.ao, co-founded by Philippe Oliveira e Kae Carvalho, has been transforming digital commerce and financial inclusion since 2020. Through its super-app, it combines a marketplace, financial services, and ultra-fast deliveries, employing over 100 staff and 250 drivers in Angola.

Our highest expectation is to find a partner who can help accelerate our growth, bring more experience, and provide investment. This will allow us to address the challenges we've faced, such as gaining trust and securing marketing funds, which will help us develop new solutions and fix existing issues. With a bigger tech team and more investment, we can make a significant impact in the market. When we make a lot of noise, people will recognize us and trust us, seeing our presence and success.

Philippe Oliveira, COO Mamboo

According to its founders, Mamboo directly aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), by creating opportunities for small entrepreneurs and promoting the use of technology in financial and logistics sectors.

The final event in Tokyo, held on 30 August 2024, brought together the six selected startups from Angola, South Africa, and Zambia with Japanese investors eager to learn about the potential of African ecosystems, fostering exchanges of experience and potential collaboration opportunities.

For Angola, the participation of Anda and Mamboo represents an encouraging sign that national innovation is gaining shape and international visibility. Programmes like Meet the Tôshikas help pave the way, connecting talent, knowledge, and investment, key pillars for more diversified and sustainable economic development.

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