Egyptian Ambassador, UAE Ambassador (at the time), and ZENMONDO CEO
at the Inaugural Reception.
Inception
The statement, “RISK: Despite explaining the local hub concept and preferential measures, I cannot move forward due to the fixed notion of ‘risk’ associated with the Middle East and Africa for attracting Japanese companies,” was expressed by an ambassador of a certain country in the Middle East and Africa, where Mina Ito, the founder of ZENMONDO, was serving as an advisor.
This became the catalyst for her and the ambassadors of Egypt and the UAE to promote awareness of the “attractions” of doing business in the Middle East and Africa, beyond the notion of “risk.” With the support of both embassies, a founding anniversary reception was held in July 2018, marking the establishment of ZENMONDO as an information platform.
In 2020, ZENMONDO Co., Ltd. was officially established to conduct full-scale operations. Currently, through the “Dojo Academy” and “Entrepreneur Dojo,” ZENMONDO provides support and guidance to contribute to value creation and the resolution of social issues. We aim to foster companies that can identify opportunities (business opportunities) from risks by confronting them.
Enters into a strategic partnership with SBI (Strategic Business Insights, Inc.).
Serves as a moderator at the TICAD8 Preview Symposium on the new strategies for Africa business, hosted by Nikkei Inc., Nikkei BP, and co-organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Develops the “ZENMONDO Virtual Tour” for Waseda University Business School.
Establishes the ZENMONDO Club, providing business support, remote business introductions, and assistance in creating business concepts while in Japan.
ZENMONDO Co., Ltd. is established in Minato-ku, Tokyo.
Collaborates with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Tokyo to plan a pitch event for introducing Japanese startups and companies to UAE investors.
Launches the course “Practical Training for Creating Next-Generation Businesses with African government officials,” jointly with the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS).
Starts operating the UAE Innovation Center with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Tokyo.
Holds a session titled “What Companies Should Do Now to Foster Practical and Overseas Talent” at an official side event of TICAD.
Participates in an exchange meeting with the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEIK).
ZENMONDO members organize study sessions such as the “South Sudan Study Group.”
Participates in a roundtable meeting with President El-Sisi at the G20 Osaka Summit.
Serves as a moderator at the TICAD7 Preview Symposium on the new strategies for Africa business, hosted by Nikkei Inc., Nikkei BP, and co-organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Holds the “ZENMONDO World Tour – Egypt Cultural Music Appreciation Dinner” at the residence of the Ambassador of Egypt in Tokyo.
Hosts “ZENMONDO Talks,” a series of dialogues featuring entrepreneurs and business professionals.
Participates in the official event of the TICAD Ministerial Meeting, “Japan Africa Business Fair 2018,” with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
ZENMONDO co-hosts a founding anniversary reception with the Embassy of Egypt in Tokyo and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Tokyo.
