THE TOYOTA TSUSHO CFAO African Art Award

About the Award

By integrating cultural activities with our ongoing business undertakings,
we aim to help build a sustainable society for the future children of Africa.

Toyota Tsusho and its affiliate CFAO have a legacy in Africa spanning more than 170 years. Under our “WITH AFRICA FOR AFRICA” pledge, we have consistently built equal, long-term partnerships with countries across the continent, fostering deep, trust-based relationships with local communities. Our approach is rooted in close engagement with the front lines of our business operations and is designed to identify and fulfill genuine needs and untapped potential.

Recognizing the importance of empowering African youth for Africa’s sustainable social progress, we have decided to take this legacy to the next stage by launching a corporate cultural philanthropy program. We view such support of artistic and cultural development as not simply charity but strategic investments in human potential. By promoting art and culture through corporate philanthropy, we aim to nurture the next generation of African talent and contribute to the development of vibrant, resilient communities.

Art, in particular, has the power to unlock inner strength, inspire people, and enrich everyday life. In recent years, artworks from Africa have attracted global attention due to their uniqueness and cultural depth, serving as powerful symbols of local identity.

By drawing on the trust and networks that we have cultivated over many decades, we will support talented artists across the continent by offering them new opportunities for creative expression and international recognition. We believe that their stories and artistic voices will become a source of pride for Africa and a bridge that connects the continent to the rest of the world.

Through our unique corporate cultural philanthropy program, Toyota Tsusho is committed to creating—together with art—Africa’s tomorrow. By coupling such activities with our ongoing business undertakings, we aim to help build a sustainable society for the future children of Africa.

Our Jury

Chris DERCON
France
Curator and Museum Director, Managing Director of the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain
Guillaume DÉSANGES
France
Curator and Art critic, Président, Palais de Tokyo
Ekow ESHUN
England
Writer, Broadcaster and Curator
N’Goné FALL
Senegal
Curator, Editor, General commissioner of the Africa2020 Season
Yuko HASEGAWA
Japan
Curator, Art historian, Former Director of the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
Alicia KNOCK
France
Head curator for contemporary art & research, Centre Pompidou
Hiromi KUROSAWA
Japan
Curator, Former Chief curator of 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
Sonia LAWSON
Togo
Founding Director, Palais de Lomé
Richard Bielle
France
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, CFAO
Ichiro Kashitani
Japan
Vice Chaiman of the Board - Toyota Tsusho Corporation

CONTACT US

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