Daikin to Showcase High-Efficiency Inverter Air Conditioners for Africa at TICAD9 Business Expo & Conference
Daikin Industries, Ltd. has announced that it will participate in the upcoming TICAD Business Expo & Conference, a thematic event aligned with the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9). The event is scheduled for 20–22 August 2025 at Pacifico Yokohama, Japan, and will gather leaders from across Africa and Japan to discuss development opportunities and showcase innovative solutions.
At its exhibition booth, Daikin will highlight its latest high-efficiency inverter air conditioners, designed to address Africa’s pressing cooling needs while reducing energy consumption. The display will also feature the company’s initiatives for developing local human resources, emphasizing the role of training in building a sustainable air-conditioning industry on the continent.
Addressing Africa’s Cooling Challenge
Africa spans a vast range of climates—from hot, humid tropical regions to dry, scorching deserts. Rising global temperatures driven by climate change have made dependable cooling an essential factor in ensuring comfortable and safe living and working environments. Air conditioning protects health by reducing heat-related illnesses, improves working conditions, and boosts productivity in homes, offices, and industrial facilities.
As African nations experience rapid urbanization and economic growth, demand for air conditioning is expected to surge. However, this growth also brings challenges. Limited power grid capacity in many regions means that expanding cooling access risks straining existing infrastructure. Moreover, increased electricity consumption from inefficient systems could drive up greenhouse gas emissions, worsening climate impacts.
The Role of Inverter Technology
Daikin is addressing these concerns by promoting the adoption of high-efficiency inverter air conditioners throughout Africa. Inverter technology works by precisely adjusting the compressor’s operating speed, enabling the unit to deliver consistent comfort while using significantly less power—up to 50% less than conventional non-inverter models.
To validate these savings, Daikin has partnered with research institutions in Nigeria to conduct demonstration projects. These collaborations not only confirm energy efficiency results in real-world conditions but also help establish locally relevant energy performance standards. By fostering an evidence-based approach to regulation, Daikin supports the creation of policies that encourage the adoption of efficient cooling technologies.
Building Skills for Sustainable Growth
The long-term expansion of the air-conditioning market in Africa depends on the availability of skilled technicians who can install, maintain, and repair equipment. Recognizing this, Daikin works closely with vocational training schools across the continent. The company provides hands-on programs that equip trainees with practical skills, from installation techniques to troubleshooting, ensuring that the next generation of technicians can deliver quality service.
At TICAD9, Daikin will also host an interactive copper-pipe flaring station—giving visitors a chance to try their hand at one of the core skills required in air-conditioner installation and servicing. This hands-on feature underscores the company’s commitment to human-resource development and the transfer of technical expertise.
What to Expect at Daikin’s TICAD9 Exhibit
Visitors to Daikin’s booth can expect an in-depth presentation of the company’s African business strategy and technologies. Planned highlights include:
- Overview of Daikin’s expansion across African markets.
- Insight into global challenges related to rising electricity demand.
- Introduction to inverter technology and its energy-saving benefits.
- Side-by-side comparison of inverter and non-inverter air conditioners.
- Showcase of local human-resource development programs.
- Hands-on copper-pipe flaring workshop.
Daikin’s African Presence and Partnerships
Daikin, a global leader in HVAC&R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration), operates in more than 170 countries and regions, including over 40 African nations. The company has established subsidiaries in South Africa and other strategic markets, alongside a regional office in Kenya. In addition, Daikin works through a wide distributor network to deliver products and services to countries without a direct company presence.
In Nigeria and Algeria, Daikin has begun limited local assembly operations, importing key components from India and performing final assembly domestically. This approach helps strengthen supply chains, create local jobs, and adapt products to specific market needs.
Daikin has also partnered with WASSHA Inc., a University of Tokyo start-up specializing in electricity supply for off-grid communities, to create Baridi Baridi Inc. This joint venture offers an innovative pay-as-you-go subscription model, charging customers based on actual air-conditioner usage. By lowering the upfront cost barrier, the scheme makes modern cooling solutions more accessible to households and small businesses.
A Sustainable Vision for Africa’s Cooling Future
Through the introduction of high-efficiency air conditioners using advanced, eco-friendly refrigerants, Daikin aims to accelerate the spread of cooling solutions while minimizing environmental impact. By coupling technological innovation with workforce development and inclusive business models, the company is positioning itself as a partner in Africa’s sustainable growth.
Daikin’s participation at TICAD9 will serve as both a technology showcase and a platform for dialogue with African government officials, business leaders, and development partners—reinforcing the message that energy-efficient cooling and skill development are key to meeting the continent’s future climate and economic challenges.
