The agreement was formally unveiled and celebrated today at a high-profile ceremony held during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, witnessed by dignitaries, including but not limited to Japan’s Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba and the South African Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau.

This historic agreement marks the first reinsurance partnership between NEXI and an African export credit agency. It provides a strategic framework under which NEXI will reinsure ECIC’s export credit insurance, enabling Japanese companies operating in South Africa to expand exports into third markets, including within the African continent.

Speaking on the panel discussion yesterday, at the NEXI-TICAD9 thematic event, the Acting CEO of ECIC, Ntshengedzeni Gilbert Maphula said:

“This agreement demonstrates South Africa’s growing role as a trade and investment hub for the African continent. By joining forces with NEXI, we are not only strengthening bilateral economic cooperation with Japan but also creating new opportunities for intra-African trade in support of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This partnership enhances ECIC’s capacity to underwrite complex cross-border transactions while reinforcing investor confidence in South Africa as a gateway into Africa.”

South Africa hosts the largest presence of Japanese companies on the continent, and this agreement will further anchor the country’s position as a launchpad for trade and investment into Africa. By combining ECIC’s regional expertise with NEXI’s global capacity, the agreement positions both institutions to support sustainable growth, industrialisation, and export-led development across Africa.

The ECIC remains committed to leveraging strategic partnerships to advance South Africa’s trade agenda, strengthen global cooperation, and unlock new opportunities for businesses and exporters.

About ECIC
The Export Credit Insurance Corporation of South Africa SOC Ltd (ECIC) is a state-owned entity mandated to facilitate and support South African cross-border investments and exports by underwriting political and commercial risks. ECIC plays a pivotal role in promoting South Africa’s participation in international trade and driving economic growth across Africa and beyond. The ECIC plays a key role in advancing South Africa’s trade objectives by enabling cross-border transactions and mitigating political and commercial risks. For more information, visit: www.ecic.co.za

About NEXI
Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI) To conduct insurance business of covering risks which arise in foreign transactions, and which are not covered by commercial insurance. The Japanese Government established the trade and investment insurance program in 1950 as part of its export promotion policy. Since its establishment, the program had been managed directly by the Government for 50 years , playing a significant role in expanding exports and the development of overseas activities of Japanese companies. In April 2001, Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI), an incorporated administrative agency, was newly created as a 100% state-owned agency to efficiently manage this program in unity with the Government. For more information, visit: www.nexi.go.jp/en/index.html