Komatsu to Exhibit at TICAD 9, Unveil Plans for New Training Center in Côte d’Ivoire to Support West Africa’s Growth
Komatsu Ltd. has announced its participation in the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), which will be held from August 20 to 22 at the Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Hall in Japan. The company will use this global platform to showcase its vision for Africa’s sustainable development and to highlight a major upcoming investment in human resource development in West Africa.
Under the theme “Creating Value Together through Innovation to Empower Africa’s Sustainable Future”, Komatsu’s exhibit will spotlight initiatives across several key areas: advanced technology adoption, human resource training, infrastructure development, and corporate social responsibility programs. A centerpiece of the display will be the company’s plan to establish a new training center in Côte d’Ivoire, dedicated to construction equipment mechanics and operators.
A Major New Training Hub for West Africa
Komatsu’s planned Côte d’Ivoire facility is scheduled to begin operations in 2026. In its initial phase, the center will focus on providing specialized training to mechanics and operators working for distributors, customers, and local communities across the West African region. Training programs will make use of state-of-the-art simulators developed by the Komatsu Group, designed to help participants acquire and refine skills in a safe, controlled environment.
By strengthening technical expertise and opening up employment opportunities, Komatsu aims to directly contribute to the sustainable growth of the region. The facility is envisioned not only as an educational institution but as a strategic regional base. Over time, Komatsu intends to expand its scope to include an equipment stock yard, parts depot, and marketing operations—transforming it into the core hub for its West African business activities.
Exhibition Highlights at TICAD 9
Komatsu’s booth at TICAD 9 will feature a mix of interactive displays, cutting-edge machinery, and immersive training demonstrations. Among the highlights:
- Training Center Overview (Panel Display)
Visitors will get a detailed look at the planned Côte d’Ivoire training center, including its objectives, operational timeline, and future expansion plans. The panel display will explain how the center will be a game-changer for vocational skills training in West Africa, addressing both industry needs and local employment challenges. - Construction Equipment Simulators (On-Site Demonstrations)
Komatsu will bring compact simulators for hydraulic excavators and bulldozers to the exhibition floor, offering attendees a chance to experience realistic equipment operation through VR-based training software. This technology allows for immersive, safe, and highly effective learning, and will be a core component of the new Côte d’Ivoire training center’s curriculum. - Next-Generation Hydraulic Excavator “PC200i-12” (Machine Display)
The company will also showcase its latest hydraulic excavator model, the PC200i-12. Equipped with advanced 3D construction capabilities, this machine enables precise and efficient operations, even for relatively inexperienced operators. Such innovations are expected to contribute significantly to the delivery of “quality infrastructure,” a pressing requirement for Africa’s rapid economic and social development.
A Longstanding Commitment to Africa
Komatsu’s connection to Africa dates back to the 1960s, when it first began operations on the continent. Throughout the 1970s, the company expanded its presence by establishing offices across various African nations, and later developed direct distributorships, including in South Africa.
Africa’s growing population, abundant natural resources, and increasing demand for infrastructure have continued to drive the need for advanced construction and mining equipment. However, the continent also faces significant challenges in vocational training and human resource development—areas in which Komatsu has considerable experience.
Globally, Komatsu operates 22 training centers across 15 countries, equipping operators and mechanics with the skills needed to operate and maintain heavy machinery safely and efficiently. For Africa, the company currently supports skills development through its centers in South Africa, Dubai, and Japan.
Recognizing Africa as a high-potential growth market, Komatsu is committed to using its accumulated expertise to help address social and economic challenges while deepening its roots in the region. The planned Côte d’Ivoire training center is a tangible step toward this commitment, aiming to serve as a catalyst for both industrial advancement and community empowerment.
By participating in TICAD 9, Komatsu will engage directly with stakeholders, partners, and policymakers, reinforcing its belief that innovation, education, and infrastructure go hand-in-hand in building a sustainable future for Africa. The company’s message is clear: through collaboration, technology, and long-term investment, Africa’s development potential can be realized—and Komatsu intends to be a key partner in that journey.
