Mitsui Osk Lines (MOL) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Suzuki Motor Corporation and the digital trade platform Tradewaltz with the aim of strengthening the fast-growing automobile supply chain between India and Africa.
The agreement, presented during TiCad 9 in Yokohama, will focus on two key areas: digitalization of documentation in vehicle trades and the decarbonization of transport links. Automobile shipments between India and Africa are still hindered by manual processes, particularly with bills of lading, while the reduction of emissions has become a central focus for both shipping lines and automobile manufacturers.
Mol, already expanding its dedicated car services from India to Africa, sees the partnership as a way to capture growing flows of compact vehicles to African markets.
Suzuki, the dominant automobile manufacturer in India through its subsidiary Maruti Suzuki, represents almost half of all cars sold in the country. Its affordable and fuel-efficient models are proving increasingly popular among Africa’s burgeoning middle class, where demand for durable, low-cost mobility is accelerating.
India has become a major automobile export hub, with shipments to Africa increasing sharply in recent years, aided by proximity, competitive prices, and manufacturing scale.
The agreement between the three companies was signed at this week’s Tokyo International Conference on African Development, an event where terminal operator DP World has also signed an MOU with Japanese trading house Itochu Corporation to expand logistics, supply chain infrastructure, and distribution capabilities in sub-Saharan Africa.
Beat Simon, DP World’s chief operating officer for Logistics, commented: “Africa represents one of the most dynamic growth frontiers for global trade. This collaboration with Itochu reflects a shared vision to unlock value by combining our infrastructure and logistics expertise with Itochu’s trading expertise to create deeper connections between Africa and Japan.”
Starting with the Informa group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine, as well as East Asia editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued an independent career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia editor for Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times, and the International Herald Tribune.
August 21, 2025
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August 21, 2025
