Zambia and Japan have strengthened their growing economic partnership following the successful hosting of the Zambia–Japan Business Forum in Lusaka, which brought together 21 Japanese investors, senior government officials, and Zambian private‑sector leaders.
The forum builds on progress made during President Hakainde Hichilema’s state visit to Japan in February 2025, which paved the way for enhanced collaboration between the two nations.
Officiating at the business forum, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Hon. Chipoka Mulenga MP, described the event as a major milestone in advancing trade and investment relations.
Hon. Mulenga acknowledged Japan’s long-standing role as a trusted development partner. He highlighted the recently signed Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) as a key instrument to boost investor confidence and open new opportunities for private-sector-driven growth.
Meanwhile, Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Director General Albert Halwampa, in a presentation, encouraged the visiting delegation to explore opportunities and partnerships across priority sectors, including energy, manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and transport.
Mr. Hwalwampa noted that Zambia’s political stability, pro‑business reforms, and access to regional markets through SADC, COMESA, and the African Continental free Trade Area (AfCFTA) positions the country as an attractive investment destination. He further urged businesses from both countries to build strong partnerships that translate the forum’s engagements into concrete investment outcomes.
In his remarks, Zambia’s Ambassador to Japan Dr. Tobias Mulimbika, emphasized that during President Hakainde Hichilema’s successful visit to Japan in February last year, commitments were made to deepen cooperation, promote trade, and increase Japanese investment in Zambia, and the Business forum is evidence that the president’s visits yield results.
Meanwhile, Japanese Ambassador to Zambia Mikami Akiteru highlighted the significance of the forum in strengthening ties between Japan and Zambia. The forum sought to move beyond traditional frameworks, exploring new avenues for collaboration and growth.
