Dr. Katsumi Hirano, Executive Senior Research Fellow, IDE-JETRO
Dr. Hirano is Executive Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO). His specialization includes Africa Studies and Development Economics. former Vice President of Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) during 2015-2019 in charge of African affairs, conducting JETRO events at TICAD 6 and TICAD 7.

Mr. Yuko YASUNAGA, Head, UNIDO ITPO Tokyo
Mr. Yasunaga has had an extensive career with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), with expertise in the areas of natural resources and industrial science/technology development. From 2015 to 2017, Mr. Yasunaga was Vice-President of Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) after working as Deputy Director-General responsible for the Ministry’s innovation policy. Mr. Yasunaga holds a M.Eng. in Resource Development Engineering from the University of Tokyo, a M.Sc. in Mineral Economics, from the Colorado School of Mines, USA, and a Ph.D., from the University of Tokyo.

Mr. Ryuichi KATO, Vice President, JICA
Since joining JICA in 1987, Mr.  Kato has served in various positions, including the Planning Department and the General Affairs Department, and before assuming his current post in 2020, he was Director General of the Africa Department. He has extensive working experience in Francophone Africa, including his tenure as Deputy Resident Representative in the Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal Office (2002-2006), and as Chief Representative in the Senegal Office (2012-2016). As a reward for his dedication, he was awarded ‘Officier de l’Ordre National du Lion’ from the Government of Senegal in 2016. He is passionate about running and has so far completed over 20 full marathons.

Ms, Solange Amichia is Director General at CEPICI, Investment Promotion Agency of Côte d’Ivoire, where she leads Promotion and attraction of Investments and Improving business environment through reforms. She has over 20 years of experience in Investment banking, Management, Project Management, Governance and Information System. Ms. Amichia visited Japan and conducted meetings with Japanese companies under the Delegate Programme hosted by UNIDO ITPO Tokyo in 2014.

Mr. David Ofosu-Dorte, Senior Partner, AB&David
David Ofosu-Dorte has worked in both the public and private sector for a period spanning over twenty-five (25) years. He has immense transaction experience and has led several assignments. David is experienced in handling high-end projects and financings. Sources describe him as a pioneering lawyer in the field of public-private partnerships, and say he is “highly regarded” (IFLR 1000, 2020) and ”… a highly esteemed figure … who earns recognition for his diverse commercial practice.” (Chambers Global 2020).

Mr. Toshikazu OTANI, Executive Officer, ITOCHU Corporation
Mr. Otani, Executive Officer, Chief Executive for Africa of ITOCHU Corporation, draws over 30 years of a successful career and experience in one of the largest Japanese trading and investment companies. Previously, he serves concurrently General Manager of Johannesburg Branch of ITOCHU Corporation and Managing Director of ITOCHU Nigeria Ltd. In Africa. He also assumed various posts such as General Manager of Marine Products Department in Tokyo, President of PT. ANEKA TUNA INDONESIA , Manager of Planning & administration Section, Fresh Food Division in Tokyo.