Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its longstanding relationship with Japan following a courtesy meeting between Vice President Dr W.K. Mutale-Nalumango and newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to Zambia, His Excellency Akiteru Mikami. The ambassador paid a courtesy call on the Vice President as he begins his diplomatic tour of duty in Zambia. During the meeting, Ambassador Mikami delivered a congratulatory message from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to President Hakainde Hichilema following his re-election and the commencement of his second term in office. The engagement provided an opportunity for both sides to reflect on the strong relationship between Zambia and Japan and discuss areas where cooperation can be expanded. It also highlighted the importance of continued diplomatic engagement between the two countries as Zambia enters a new chapter under President Hichilema’s leadership.
Dr Mutale-Nalumango expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for the warm congratulatory message and for the longstanding friendship between the two nations. Zambia and Japan have maintained relations that extend across several areas of mutual interest, with cooperation covering trade and investment, infrastructure development, education, health, agriculture and human capital development. The Vice President noted that Zambia attaches great importance to its partnership with Japan as the two countries continue to explore opportunities for economic and social development. The relationship has also included initiatives that have had an impact beyond formal government engagements. Through development cooperation and community-focused projects, Japan has supported programmes aimed at improving infrastructure, skills and opportunities for communities across Zambia.
A key development discussed during the meeting was the Japan-Zambia Investment Agreement, which entered into force on 30 July 2026. The agreement provides a framework intended to strengthen investment relations and expand economic cooperation between Zambia and Japan. Its implementation could create greater opportunities for investors while providing a clearer basis for increased commercial engagement between the two countries. Investment cooperation remains important as Zambia seeks to attract capital, expand productive sectors and support economic development. The agreement therefore forms part of broader efforts to deepen the economic relationship between Zambia and Japan and create additional opportunities for cooperation in areas of shared interest.
The discussions also focused on the Nacala Corridor and the opportunities it presents for regional connectivity, trade and economic development. Transport corridors play an important role in connecting landlocked countries such as Zambia to regional and international markets by improving the movement of goods and supporting trade. Zambia has continued to place importance on regional infrastructure that can contribute to economic integration and greater access to markets. Cooperation with international partners such as Japan can support initiatives aimed at strengthening connectivity and promoting sustainable development. The Nacala Corridor was therefore among the issues that featured in discussions on how Zambia and Japan can continue working together on projects with wider regional significance.
City-to-city partnerships also formed part of the engagement between the Vice President and the Japanese ambassador. Such partnerships can create opportunities for municipalities and communities in Zambia and Japan to exchange knowledge, expertise and practical experiences. Cooperation at the local level can complement national government relations by creating direct links between communities and institutions. These partnerships can cover areas such as urban development, education, environmental management, cultural exchanges and technical cooperation. Strengthening these connections can also contribute to deeper people-to-people relations between Zambia and Japan over the long term.
Dr Mutale-Nalumango also highlighted Japan’s support to communities in Zambia through various initiatives. Among the examples mentioned was a Judo tournament held at Maheba Refugee Settlement in 2025, which provided an opportunity for young people and community members to participate in sport and cultural exchange. The Vice President also acknowledged infrastructure interventions in Mayukwayukwa, including road and bridge works that support communities and improve access. Such projects demonstrate how bilateral cooperation can have practical effects at community level. They also show that Zambia-Japan relations involve more than high-level diplomatic meetings and economic agreements, extending into programmes that affect the daily lives of ordinary citizens.
The meeting comes at a significant point in Zambia’s engagement with Japan, particularly following the entry into force of the investment agreement and discussions around infrastructure and regional connectivity. Zambia’s government has indicated that it wants to create an environment that encourages increased investment, cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. Japan remains an important development and economic partner, with cooperation spanning multiple sectors that contribute to national development. Continued dialogue between the two governments can help identify new areas for collaboration while strengthening existing programmes. The appointment of Ambassador Mikami provides an opportunity for both sides to maintain momentum in the bilateral relationship during his tour of duty in Zambia.
Dr Mutale-Nalumango assured Ambassador Mikami that the Zambian Government remains committed to strengthening the bilateral partnership with Japan. She said Zambia looks forward to working closely with the Japanese Government to deepen the longstanding friendship between the two countries. The focus will include investment, development cooperation, infrastructure, regional integration and stronger connections between the people of Zambia and Japan. The Vice President also wished Ambassador Mikami a successful tour of duty and assured him of Zambia’s support as he undertakes his diplomatic mandate. The engagement reflects Zambia’s continued interest in building a broad partnership with Japan that delivers benefits for both countries and their citizens.