Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9): African Development Bank signs agreement with Shimizu Corporation, Kao Corporation and Nippon Road Co Ltd to advance climate-resilient road maintenance solutions for Africa

 

The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI)with the Shimizu Corporation, Kao Corporation and The Nippon Road Co Ltd to advance cooperation in the deployment of innovative, climate-resilient road maintenance solutions in Africa.

The agreement was signed by Solomon Quaynor, African Development Bank Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure&Industrialization, and executives from Shimizu, Kao, and Nippon Road on Thursday 21 August, on the sidelines of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan.

The LoI will formalize a framework for mutual cooperation, information and knowledge sharing, as well as the exploration of co-financing opportunities for sustainable infrastructure solutions across Africa.

The consortium’s PET Asphalt Concrete technology, a reinforced asphalt mixture with recycled PET plastic bottles, was selected in June 2025 through a competitive call for proposals under the Bank’s Sustainable Road Maintenance Program for Africa (SRMPA). The solution demonstrates strong potential to enhance sustainability in Africa’s road maintenance sector, while supporting circular economy principles.

Under the agreement, the African Development Bank will facilitate coordination with governments, lead awareness-raising campaigns, support capacity building for local partners, and explore financing options for deployment of the technology.

Shimizu, Kao, and Nippon Road for their part, will conduct demand and feasibility studies, test the application of PET Asphalt Concrete in various African contexts, and assess investment opportunities for scaling up upon successful results.

“The Sustainable Road Maintenance Program for Africa (SRMPA) is an innovative initiative by the Bank aiming at offering climate resilient solutions to protect infrastructure investments from the impacts of climate change,” Quaynor stated. “Partnering with Shimizu, Kao, and Nippon Road will enable Africa to benefit from cutting-edge circular economy technology while addressing the growing backlog of road maintenance needs.”

Mr. Kazuya Osako, Managing Officer and Director, International Civil Engineering Division, Shimizu Corporation, said: “We believe that the key to successfully spreading this technology in Africa is a collaboration with local companies and partners.”

Shimuzu has already begun  testing the PET Asphalt Concrete in Kenya since May this year, Osaka added.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact:
Amba Mpoke-Bigg
Communication and External Relations Department
email: media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

About Shimizu Corporation:
Shimizu engages in civil engineering and construction, committed to deploying innovative solutions for sustainable infrastructure. Website: https://www.Shimz.co.jp/en/

About Kao Corporation:
Kao engages in consumer and chemical products, committed to providing innovative solutions for the infrastructure sector through its chemical business. Website: https://www.Kao.com/global/en/

About Nippon Road Co., Ltd.:
Nippon Road, a group company of Shimizu Corporation, primarily engages in road construction and paving work, alongside general civil engineering, sports facilities and related businesses. Website: https://www.NipponRoad.co.jp/english/