The government is planning to launch a program aimed at supporting Japanese manufacturers in developing medical devices specifically for African countries. The goal of this initiative is to commercialize these devices for the African market. The government hopes that by promoting the development of products that meet the needs of local markets, it can help address public health issues in African nations.
The program seeks to encourage companies to expand into markets that are experiencing rapid economic growth and ensure that adequate medical care reaches people in emerging and developing countries. According to sources, the program will provide support for two manufacturers over a period of approximately four years starting in fiscal 2024. In fiscal 2025, it is expected to include two or more companies.
As part of this support, representatives from Japanese manufacturers will visit local hospitals, inspect medical facilities, and interview doctors in order to gain a better understanding of the unique problems and needs faced by Africa. The project will also involve meetings with experts where opinions can be exchanged. Based on the outcomes of these meetings, manufacturers will begin developing products and plans for commercialization while continuously improving product prototypes based on their usage.
To assist with this endeavor, the University of Tokyo will participate as a development support organization. A team consisting of medical professionals, engineers, and other experts will provide assistance with prototype development, formulation of business strategies, and coordination of visits to local sites. Additionally, Japan’s Ministry of Health Labor and Welfare plans to collaborate with local health ministries and regulatory authorities.
The first companies selected to receive public support are a medical device manufacturer based in Tokyo and a start-up company affiliated with Keio University. The medical device company aims to develop a device specifically designed for treating skin diseases prevalent mainly in West Africa.
Japan’s medical device industry experienced a trade deficit amounting to approximately ¥1.8 trillion in 2022 due to fierce competition from Western companies resulting in loss market share particularly within radiotherapy equipment among other products.
Accordingly,the United Nations projects that Africa’s population is expected surge from about 1.4 billion people currently (in 2022)to approximately 2.5 billion by 2050 which would represent about one-quarterofthe world’s population.The government hopes that by tapping into this rapidly growing market often referred as “the last frontier,” it can enhance industrial competitiveness.
While Japanese manufacturers excel at producing diagnostic imaging equipment such as MRI/CT scan systemsand endoscopes they have encountered difficulties entering the African market.These challenges arise because many African countries are still undergoing infrastructure development including electricity supply water provision,and sewage systems.As such,the high-functionality/high-price products availableintheJapanese market do not always alignwiththeneedsofthelocalmarket.Therefore,itwillbe crucialto develop products tailoredtothese specific needs.
Africa faces significant public health challenges including high infant/maternal mortality rates.Malaria alone claimed over500000 livesin2022while HIV/AIDSand tuberculosis epidemics continue spreading throughoutthecontinent.A ministry official stated,”We aimtodifferentiateourproductsfromthoseproducedbyforeigncompaniesthat have already enteredtheAfricanmarket.We hopetohelpthefirsttwocompaniesestablishafootholdinAfricaandcontributeinternationallyon behalfofJapan.”