How this Japanese entrepreneur started an e-motorbike business in Ethiopia

In 2021, Japanese entrepreneur Yuma Sasaki moved to Ethiopia to establish Dodai, an electric motorcycle company assembling its bikes locally in Addis Ababa. Jaco Maritz spoke with Sasaki to learn about his journey as an entrepreneur.

Topics discussed during the interview include:

• How a Japanese-born entrepreneur ended up launching a venture in Africa
• Why he chose Ethiopia, and why he believes the biggest opportunities lie in tough markets
• The two business opportunities he initially considered pursuing in Ethiopia
• His strategies for finding and hiring the right talent
• Why selling directly to delivery drivers proved challenging
• Securing financing for his startup
• The specific obstacles of operating in Ethiopia
• Japanese investors’ perception of Africa
• Growth vs profitability

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW

Dealmaker Middle East - a new publication from the company behind How we made it in Africa

Building on the success of How we made it in Africa and Africa Private Equity News, we have launched Dealmaker Middle East. This news publication tracks key developments in private equity, private debt, and real estate investments in the region. Sign up here for the free weekly Dealmaker Middle East newsletter.

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