The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) that coordinates official development assistance for the Japanese government in developing countries, has announced the launch of the NINJA Business Plan Competition for businesses emerging during the COVID-19 outbreak. NINJA is short for Next Innovation with Japan.

The NINJA Business Plan Competition will target startups and organizations from 19 African countries. The application is open for startups/organizations in all sectors with a specific focus on emerging businesses in COVID-19-related fields including, but not limited to:

For health, online healthcare support, disease-testing solutions, medical data sharing and privacy protection solutions, distribution of drugs and medical equipment, IoT, including 3D printers, in the medical field.

Disaster management, Geo-tracking during disasters, emergency information dissemination.

Those who provide business services, support for remote workers, efficient management/operation of online events

The education remote learning support. Food and agriculture, those efficient food/commodity distribution technology. Finance Contactless transactions/payment, lending/insurance services to SMEs and individuals.

Logistics delivery service, urban mobility management

Others are those substituting imported goods with local innovative technology.

Those who can apply are organizations with their head office or a branch in one of the target countries.　

Profit/non-profit organisations registered as an independent legal entity. Proposals from individuals will not be considered.

Companies with a very strong management team of at least 2 people.

Businesses that have an innovative product(s) or service(s), in response or adaptable to the Pandemic and post-pandemic society or have a feasible business plan to create prototypes (MVP).

Applicants must meet all criteria mentioned.

The Prize winners from each country will be given a chance to sign a work contract with JICA for their innovation(s).

Winners will be eligible for equity/debt-free sum of up to USD 30000 by JICA for covering costs associated with the proposed activities including, 1) remuneration of staff, 2) other expenses, and 3) indirect local tax.

Winners may also get the opportunity to travel to Japan for further investments and business partnerships sponsored by JICA.

Continue reading at... https://www.sme360.ng/2020/07/13/african-startups-invited-for-business-plan-competition-in-response-to-covid-19/