Social Impact Assessments (Logic Model and KPIs)

Dialogue with issue finder and co-creator

Miyamoto: Mr. Shimada, would you begin by telling us what motivated you to establish Connect Afya?

Shimada: After graduating from university, I worked for a consulting firm that helped pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers to develop sales strategies. In addition to that role, I also helped acquaintances to establish startups in African countries such as Uganda and Kenya. Through those activities, my desire to play a direct role in solving frontline issues that I had seen in Africa has grown stronger.

I subsequently moved to France to undertake further study, which included a research trip to Kenya. While in Kenya, I observed firsthand that the local healthcare systems were considerably different from what I had seen in Japan, and that inspired me to do whatever I could to improve the healthcare environment over there. I was especially shocked by the reality that illnesses were often overlooked because patients were not being diagnosed properly. I decided to establish Connect Afya with the aim of creating a full healthcare flow by first making diagnostic services more widely available.

Miyamoto: So your experience in Kenya was a defining one. Living in Japan, it’s hard to imagine a situation in which people have no access to reliable diagnoses. Still, I’m impressed that upon witnessing the situation you went so far as establishing a company.

Miyamoto: What was your impression after actually using the Mitsui & Co. Co-creation Fund?

Shimada: Actually, Connect Afya was in the process of raising capital at the time, and to be honest, I initially thought that it would be enough just to obtain funding. However, I soon realized that the Fund could offer even greater value. In addition to money, we have also benefited from specific advice about business development in Kenya, as well as support for the establishment of vital networks. Particularly important was Mitsui & Co.’s ability to act as an intermediary when we began to work with local partners.
As the name suggests, the Mitsui & Co. Co-creation Fund emphasizes co-creation, with Mitsui & Co. officers and employees as co-creators. My impression was that they are not interested simply in providing money. Instead, they are strongly committed to creating value together.

Miyamoto: It is reassuring that the word “co-creation” is not simply a slogan, but that the Fund’s activities embody the word “co-creation” in the form of practical support. I would like to hear about Mitsui & Co.’s role in local collaboration in a little more detail.

Miyamoto: What do you think is necessary for solving this specific issue, beyond the support of the Mitsui & Co. Co-creation Fund?

Shimada: The most important thing is to build trust with local people. Without that trust, the systems that we introduce will not take root, no matter how great they are. I believe what underpins the trust is, after all, the track record of our steady and diligent work, and I’m mindful of that all the time.

We also need policy support. For example, by deepening coordination with governments and international organizations, we can broaden the scope of our impact. These approaches are essential for solving social issues.

Miyamoto: I agree that relationships based on trust are very important, as is human resource development. They, indeed, will lead to genuine solutions that truly reflect the nature of local issues. Relationships with the local government and international organizations are also vital when trying to obtain policy support.

Miyamoto: What are your expectations toward the future role of the Mitsui & Co. Co-creation Fund as well as its ecosystem?

Shimada: I hope that more players will participate in this ecosystem. Countless issues remain to be solved in regions like Africa, which is the focus of our activities. I hope many new projects will be launched to address these issues. I would also like examples of projects that have succeeded thanks to the Mitsui & Co. Co-creation Fund to be shared and used as role models for next-generation businesses and entrepreneurs. It would be delightful if we could create a cycle in which those role models lead to new initiatives that produce even greater value.

Miyamoto: The value of the Fund will certainly be further expanded if we can create an ecosystem that allows these successful models to be passed on to future generations. I hope that the Mitsui & Co. Co-creation Fund will continue to evolve as a forum where people take on new challenges one after another.

Miyamoto: Mr. Shimada, thank you for your valuable insights today.

Activity Highlights