Degas to showcase AI-powered agricultural innovation at TICAD 9

Degas, a technology company that combines AI with on-the-ground operations to increase incomes of smallholder farmers in Africa and beyond, will participate in the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), held as part of the TICAD Business Expo & Conference, from August 20 to 22, 2025, in Yokohama, Japan.

Since 1993, TICAD has been led by the Government of Japan in partnership with the United Nations, UNDP, the World Bank, and the African Union Commission, serving as a global platform to advance Africa’s sustainable growth. The Business Expo & Conference convenes leaders from business, technology, and development to explore solutions for the continent’s growth and resilience.

Represented by its founder and CEO, Doga Makiura, Degas will join:

• Thematic Event
  Thursday, August 21, 12:30–14:30 JST: AI Transformation for Africa - AI Talent Development and Ecosystem Enhancement, co-sponsored by the World Bank and UNDP. In the session AI Human Resource Development in Africa, Doga will deliver a TED Talk–style presentation on how Degas is transforming lives in Ghana and beyond, leveraging AI to boost agricultural productivity, create new economic opportunities, and strengthen community resilience. The session will also feature Peronomi Moiroa (Founder & CEO, Lelapa AI), Professor Yutaka Matsuo (The University of Tokyo), and Hirakawa Erin (International Exchange Officer, Matsuo and Iwasawa Laboratory), and will be moderated by Folly Bar Tybalt (Journalist and Principal Presenter, Al Jazeera).
  
  
• Main Stage (Side B)
  Friday, August 22, 11:30–12:15 JST: Beyond the Buzz: Real-World AI in Africa and What It Means for Japan – a discussion on AI’s real-world applications in Africa, opportunities for Africa–Japan collaboration, and strategies for inclusive growth. Doga will moderate the session alongside Professor Yutaka Matsuo (University of Tokyo) and Kate Kallot (Founder & CEO, Amini).

TICAD 9 shows how AI is moving from promise to proof,  predicting yields, monitoring floods, strengthening supply chains, and improving public services. Degas’ AI helps farmers boost productivity and incomes, and by combining high-quality field data with foundation models, we build scalable solutions that deliver inclusion, resilience, and measurable impact across Africa and beyond,” says Doga.

‍