August 07, 2025
Komatsu Ltd. (President and CEO: Takuya Imayoshi) will participate in the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9*1), taking place from August 20 to 22 at the Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Hall.
The theme of Komatsu’s exhibit is Creating value together through “Innovation to empower Africa’s Sustainable Future”. Komatsu will present a range of initiatives focused on human resource development, advanced technologies and solutions, contributions to infrastructure development, and corporate social responsibility activities in the region. A key highlight will be a panel display introducing Komatsu’s plan to establish a new training center in Côte d’Ivoire for construction equipment mechanics and operators. Scheduled for completion in 2026, the facility will initially operate as a training center to develop talent for distributors, customers, and local communities. Over time, Komatsu aims to expand its functions to include equipment stock and parts depot, as well as marketing capabilities, positioning itself as the core facility for West Africa.
[Conceptual image of the planned core facility in Côte d’Ivoire]
Exhibition highlights
1. Opening of a training center (panel display)
Komatsu plans to launch a new training center in Côte d’Ivoire as a strategic base to strengthen its presence in Africa and demonstrate a deeper commitment to the region. It is scheduled to begin operations in 2026. Initially, it will serve as a training center for construction equipment operators and mechanics from customers, distributors, and local communities across West Africa. The center will provide practical training programs using simulators developed by Komatsu Group (*2), which specializes in operator skill development. By upgrading technical skills and creating employment opportunities, the facility will contribute to the sustainable development of the region. In response to regional needs, Komatsu plans to gradually add functions such as equipment stock and parts depot and marketing capabilities, positioning the site as the core facility for West Africa.
2. Construction equipment simulators (on-site demonstration)
To support skill improvement for operators and mechanics, Komatsu will feature compact simulators for operating hydraulic excavators and bulldozers. VR-based training software will enable safe work practices through immersive learning experiences. These simulators were developed by Komatsu Group (*2) and are also planned for use at the new training center mentioned above.
[Compact simulators to be displayed on-site]
3. New-generation hydraulic excavator “PC200i-12” (machine display)
Komatsu will exhibit its latest hydraulic excavator equipped with advanced 3D construction capabilities. These features enable efficient and precise operations—even for less experienced operators—and, in the future, are expected to contribute to the development of “quality infrastructure”, a critical necessity for Africa’s growth.
[Latest model of PC200i-12 to be displayed on-site]
Komatsu began its business activities in Africa in the 1960s. It has since expanded its presence by establishing offices across the continent from the 1970s, and launching its own distributorship, such as in South Africa. With abundant natural resources and infrastructure demand driven by population growth, the need for construction and mining equipment in Africa continues to rise. At the same time, vocational training and human resource development remain key challenges. Komatsu currently operates training centers for distributors and employees in 22 locations across 15 countries worldwide. It supports Africa through its training centers in South Africa, Dubai, and Japan. Recognizing Africa as a growth market, Komatsu is committed to leveraging its expertise in human resource development, accumulated through years of business operations, to help address social challenges while strengthening its presence in the region.
*1: TICAD 9 Overview
1. Dates: August 20 (Wed) – 22 (Fri), 2025
2. Venue: Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Hall (Komatsu Booth: No. A03)
3. Official Website: https://ticad9.city.yokohama.lg.jp/
4. About TICAD: TICAD stands for the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, a global forum focused on Africa’s advancement. Since its launch in 1993, the conference has been led by the Government of Japan in collaboration with the United Nations, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, and the African Union Commission (AUC). During TICAD 9, Komatsu will exhibit at the “Japan Fair,” a thematic event organized by JETRO.
*2: Developed by Komatsu Group companies, including Immersive Technologies Pty Ltd. (Australia) and Oryx Simulations Verklighetsmodeller i Sverige AB (Sweden).
No : 0045（3361）
Corporate Communications Department
Sustainability Promotion Division
Komatsu Ltd.
tel: +81-(0)3-6849-9703
mail: JP00MB_cc_department@global.komatsu
*The information may be subject to change without notice.
